Minister's Arts Education Awards
- Early Career Educator
Brittany Neeb
This one-of-a-kind award is partnered with a substantial funding prize, empowering Brittany to engage in professional learning opportunities. The annual Minister’s Arts Education Awards, established by Educators SA in 2006, ‘shines a light on arts educators who demonstrate creativity and innovation in guiding students to realise their potential in the arts.
Read more about the Awards here.
In her first five years as an educator, and since beginning her journey at Kildare in 2023, Brittany’s roles have significantly evolved, now leading six subjects under the Creative Industries umbrella.
Brittany’s impact has been nothing short of transformative. Developing programs at Kildare rich with history, cross curricular opportunities, culture, and industry has not only enriched the Creative Industries Curriculum but has also ignited incredible growth in student interest.
A driving force behind cross-curricular collaboration, Brittany has fostered partnerships between different curriculum areas, incorporating real-world experiences and learning through a variety of industry experts. These initiatives have given students firsthand insights into how creativity can shape their lives, future careers, and the world around us.
In consultation with the community and from strong staff and student efforts, both previous and current, Brittany supported the introduction of a kiln at Kildare installed in 2024. This facility has not only expanded the curriculum but has allowed students to create artistic pieces like never before. 2024 was the augural year Kildare College was chosen to feature artworks in the highly sought after Tea Tree Gully Exhibition, ‘The Nature of Us’, featuring artworks from four schools in a gallery space. The Year 9 Kildare Art students curated and presented terracotta wall hangings, each unique and made possible by the new Kildare kiln. The kiln’s integration into the curriculum doesn’t stop there – it has also been utilised across lessons in projects including the Year 7 students' personalised paint palettes, blending practical learning with artistic expression.
Winning the Early Career Education Award is a testament to Brittany’s vision, creativity, and innovation.
Using the substantial funding prize that partners, Brittany plans to travel to New York and visit renowned museums, galleries and participate in various workshops. She also plans to create more connections with industry professionals and develop the existing Jewellery and Metalsmithing Program at Kildare College, offering extensive opportunities for students and providing professional development courses for staff.
Principal of Kildare College, Tina Neate, commends Brittany: ‘With incredible ideas, infectious determination and courage, Brittany has supported Kildare College in many ways. Her dedication to creating an inviting, inspiring spaces for students to thrive is incredible, ensuring engagement with contemporary art practices and fostering strong connections to the industry.’
