Glen Innes School of Arts & Music

⁠⁠⁠Expressions of Interest now open

About the Pilot Program

Glen Innes Severn Council has approved a two‑year pilot program for a new Glen Innes School of Arts and Music, scheduled to open from the week commencing 20 April 2026, aligned with the start of Term 2.

The School of Arts and Music will operate as a year‑round creative hub, bringing together:

• emerging and established musicians
• artists and creative practitioners
• young people, retirees and lifelong learners
• visiting artists and industry professionals

The program is designed to strengthen Glen Innes’ creative ecosystem while supporting education, participation, and collaboration across the region.

Council’s approach

Council’s approach is intended to be collaborative, working with community stakeholders and participants to ensure the pilot is successful. The pilot program will work alongside and in partnership with existing organisations and practitioners, including:

• Glen Innes Arts Council
• local primary and secondary schools
• local music and arts educators
• New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM)
• musicians, artists and local retailers
• visiting artists and industry participants

This approach aims to build on what already exists, fill gaps where needed, and support sustainable creative pathways in Glen Innes.

What the School may include

During the pilot phase, the School of Arts and Music may include a broad range of activities, such as:

• music and arts lessons
• workshops and masterclasses
• rehearsal and practice spaces
• small‑scale concerts and recitals
• visiting artist residencies
• painting, drama, poetry, ceramics and visual arts classes

Council will also seek to:

• leverage Australian Celtic Festival reputation to attract high‑quality visiting artists
• link performances with companion workshops and masterclasses
• explore state, federal and private arts and music funding opportunities, including potential partnerships with NECOM
• support feeder pathways for schools and community groups, helping grow future local teachers and creative practitioners

Location

The approved location for the pilot program is the former Severn Shire Council Building 181 Bourke Street, Glen Innes

Who can get involved

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from people and organisations interested in participating in the pilot program, including:

• musicians and composers
• artists, poets and visual arts practitioners
• performing arts and music educators
• creative industry participants
• local music and arts retailers
• community groups with an interest in arts and culture

You may wish to be involved as a:

• tutor or educator
• workshop or masterclass presenter
• performer
• visiting artist
• collaborator or partner organisation

Have your say

If you are interested in being involved in the Glen Innes School of Arts and Music Pilot Program, Council invites you to submit an Expression of Interest.

Your feedback will help shape how the pilot program operates and ensure it reflects local skills, interests and opportunities.

Please fill out the Expression of Interest form. Submissions are open until 8 April 2026.