Attention: NSW Caretaker Period has commenced

The caretaker period for the NSW Election commenced on 3 March 2023.

Accordingly, no ministerial press releases or related information issued by the Government from this date will be available on this website. For copies of recently issued ministerial press releases or information on the election policies of any political party as they relate to this department/agency or its portfolio area, please go directly to the website of the relevant political party.

Teach Learn Lead
@ The Arts Unit

The NSW Department of Education, Arts Unit, provides opportunities for NSW students and teachers to teach, learn and lead in creative, performing and literature and language arts.

We believe whoever you are, wherever you are, you understand the value of engaging in the arts and have an opportunity to do so.

It all ads up
engagement

All students can engage with The Arts Unit programs, activities and events, in the classroom as well as an extension of local school and network programs​​.

Excerpt of Unaipon, performed by the Aboriginal Dance Company at the State Dance Festival, 2019
leadership

​Professional learning developed by Arts Unit specialists, and enriched by industry professionals, support teachers to take a leadership role in embedding arts at their school and model best-practice arts teaching.

Mime and Machine
opportunity

Exceptional opportunities to build skills, challenge practice and showcase excellence, are provided through high profile performance, exhibition and competition opportunities.

 

About The Arts Unit

Engagement in the arts has a positive impact on academic achievement and student wellbeing through experiences of connectedness, curiosity, expression and independent learning. Students are encouraged to extend their creative potential while developing skills in critical thinking, collaboration and appreciation.

The Arts Unit offers an innovative and holistic vision for the arts in NSW public schools, with diverse opportunities available in dance, drama, music, visual arts, debating, public speaking, reading, spelling, and special events.

As a leader in arts education, The Arts Unit promotes student achievement, equity and expression in a variety of settings. We aim to provide inspiring arts opportunities for every student in NSW, reducing the impact of disadvantage and enriching school communities.

The Arts Unit’s programs encourage shared learning experiences with industry partners, promoting networks and career pathways. We provide targeted professional learning that enhances teachers’ delivery of high-quality arts education to help foster student engagement and improve student achievement and attainment.

Currently, The Arts Unit directly delivers programs and events to 64,000 students and 8,600 teachers each year, with 593,000 additional students benefiting from our teaching and learning resources.

    How do I get involved?

    Student voice

    The Arts Unit has a Student Voices in the Arts Council that works to advocate for and articulate the value of the arts for themselves and others.

    Students in Years 5 to 11 are invited each year to become a member of this council.

    Expressions of interest are currently closed.
    Find out more.

      Our partners

      The Arts Unit acknowledges partners that together deliver a range of initiatives to support quality arts education.

      Behaviour Code For Students

      All students participating in The Arts Unit activities are expected to abide by the Behaviour Code For Students.

      Privacy Policy

      Read about The DoE Privacy Information.