SUCCESS!! The Education Minister saves Stage Challenge

Wow! AWESOME RESULT!! nearly 7,500 of you spoke and the powers that be listened! Chris Hipkins announced today that the Ministry is "inviting potential providers to put forward expressions of interest to run national and regional opportunities for students to showcase their skills. The Ministry has already allocated $267,000 for this purpose for each of the next two years. Because time is short, I have asked officials to free up more funding for the activity this year to increase the chance of it continuing, while it works with potential providers on a more sustainable, long-term replacement." Read the full press release here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-steps-save-school-arts-events This petition started with the disappointment of a 14 yr old girl, and an idea that we all needed to come together for a common cause. It feels great to know that our current government agrees, and has put the Arts, and our students first. That is down to each and every one of you that signed this petition, and for that I humbly thank you! As an arts teacher at a rural school, I take this announcement with a measure of hesitance. I know how difficult it will be for some of the smaller regions to get a competition off the ground, and for some schools that may not be feasible. In fact, in my own region where schools have already had to adjust the calendar for the year, we may not have enough schools to run a competition for 2018. But, have heart folks! The amazing positive momentum generated by the coming together of the performing arts community in the wake of the loss of something great will cause something even more magnificent to rise in its' place. So for now, watch this space and watch out! The Spirit of Stage Challenge is very much alive in New Zealand....and we're ready to rock!! Thank you so very much! Alison Wright :)