At a time when we are told that Indigenous education is failing and bad news stories in the media abound, it is refreshing to talk to the management and students of the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) about their courses and plans for 2010.

According to Milos Miladinovic, CEO of ACPA, the organisation is all about creating an inspirational environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people in which the most talented will flourish, and grow into a professional career in today’s performing arts.

Unlike most of the arts training organisations in Australia, ACPA students are given a really practical hands-on approach to learning their craft, whether it is dance, music or acting.

The current group of students have had the opportunity to perform in the Sydney Opera House at the Deadly Awards, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Brisbane Riverstage. Coming up in the next few months are performances in three events in the Brisbane Festival alongside major national and international artists, another season in the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and a series of showcase performances in smaller venues for the graduate students to strut their stuff for leaders in the arts industry.

However, it is not all flash venues and bright lights for the students. Through the support of the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and Virgin Blue, the entire Diploma class attended the Garma Festival in Arnhem Land this August together with the company’s Artistic Director and one of Australia’s best-known theatre actors, Leah Purcell, . This meant living in tents, sitting in the sand around campfires for six days and being immersed in traditional Yolngu culture.

Jeremy Roberts, a Diploma acting student, tells an amazing story of growing up in the country of Coolamon. Working as a butcher with his father and getting into a lot of trouble before he decides to take hold of his life and realise his dream of becoming an actor. “Now I’m working with fantastic trainers at both ACPA and Griffith University. I’m absolutely committed to making it big in this business and working internationally” said Jeremy.

The Indigenous Chair of ACPA, Sheryl Sandy, also talks about creating a brighter future for Indigenous people: “ACPA has created an environment in which young Indigenous people can develop their talents and, in displaying those talents, can walk tall within their own community and the broader Australian community.”

Indigenous people over the age of 16, including mature age practicing artists from anywhere in Australia, can apply to audition for next year’s courses by contacting ACPA on (07) 3846 7211. Auditions are being held on November 6 and 13. Special arrangements can be made for students who live in more remote areas.

For more information, visit www.acpa.net.au or call (07) 3846 7211.