Sponsorship Helps Bush Kids Go MAD

It’s not often kids from the bush get the opportunity to explore the creative arts with industry recognised professionals as their teachers.

Craig Black and the team at Black Toyota have thrown their support behind MAD Camp, Artslink Queensland’s annual multi-arts program for young people to help make this reality.

Jane Black, Sponsorship Manager, said Mr Black is incredibly passionate about equal opportunities for children in the bush. “He wants to make sure they have the same chances as city kids to explore all opportunities,” she said.

“Sponsoring Artslink Queensland’s MAD Camp is our way of giving back.  The bush has been good to us; we would not be where we are without the people of the bush.”

MAD Camp is a week-long, multi-arts intensive residency program for secondary school students in Years 10, 11 and 12 that takes place during the September school holidays.

Arthur Frame, Artslink Queensland CEO, said with the help of Black Toyota and the Black family, Artslink Queensland can provide generous subsidies to students from Queensland rural areas.

“Young people come from across the state to spend a week exploring different aspects of the creative arts like dance, music and drama with industry professionals sharing their knowledge and experience,” he said.

“Being immersed in the arts allows the young people to further develop their creativity.

“Without organisations like Black Toyota and people like Craig Black many of these young people would not be able to afford to come.”

Ms Black said Mr Black understands the concerns of those living outside of the South East Queensland corner. “They are doing it tough and he wants to make sure there are always options open to those who want them,” she said.

“We have a lot to do with camp drafting, race days and kindies but we recognise not every child wants to be a sports star or to ride horses.

“There are children in rural Queensland who have amazing artistic talents and MAD Camp is a great way for them to delve into those talents.

“We are passionate about sport; we need activity for good health but there are children with a passion for the arts that sometimes get forgotten because of the focus on sport.

“Spending a week learning from experts and meeting other talented young people at MAD Camp is a wonderful opportunity.”

Mr Frame said MAD Camp is an innovative and flexible approach to the arts residency model that focuses on collaboration.

“MAD Camp was started after the 2011 floods because we wanted to inspire young people to celebrate their talents and achievements,” he said.

“It has gone on to become a key calendar date for many young people who return time and time again. It is an experience that these young people never forget.”