2026 Monet to Matisse Transport Subsidy Recipients

Before students stand before Monet’s waterlilies or discovered the thick and textured surface of the wheatfields in a Van Gogh painting, a number of them will have already travelled a collected total of 14,486 kilometres to reach the Gallery.

This meeting between South Australian students and masterworks from the Toledo Museum of Art in the United States has been made possible due to the generosity of a group of dedicated exhibition ‘Luminaries’, those who share the belief that art should be accessible to all children, regardless of their geographical or financial barriers. Often, the cost of transport alone can be prohibitive for a school looking to bring students into the city.

Thanks to the Luminaries Transport Subsidy Fund, 1560 children from thirty eight schools will have travelled from remote and regional communities across South Australia to experience Monet to Matisse – and many of them were visiting a major cultural institution for the very first time. Naracoorte, Port Lincoln, Renmark and Ceduna are just a few of the regional areas where students began their journey. With this benefaction support, distance was no longer a barrier to viewing works of art in situ, which many of us who live in metropolitan areas may take for granted.

Elizabeth Grove Primary School | Years 5 and 6

Our visit to Monet to Matisse was a wonderful and valuable experience for our students. For many, it was their first time visiting the Art Gallery, and some had never experienced an exhibition like this before. The students were enthusiastic, excited and engaged throughout the excursion, and it was wonderful to see them being introduced to a whole new world of art and creativity.

Within my teaching and learning program, I try to provide students with as many opportunities as possible to experience new things beyond the classroom. The Monet to Matisse exhibition was a perfect example of this. Experiences such as these encourage students to think outside the box and consider the many possibilities available to them in life. The exhibition allowed students to explore different artistic techniques and mediums, discover how stories and ideas can be communicated through art, and understand that there are many different ways to express themselves creatively.

Excursions such as Monet to Matisse are particularly valuable because they provide authentic learning experiences that cannot always be replicated in the classroom. They can spark curiosity, build confidence and inspire students to explore interests and ideas they may not have encountered before. For our students, this excursion was not just about viewing artwork; it was an opportunity to experience something new, broaden their understanding of the world and see creativity from a different perspective.

The transport subsidy ensured that all students had equal access to this valuable learning opportunity. It allowed our students to experience the Art Gallery, explore art and creativity in a new environment, and participate alongside their peers without financial barriers. For many of our students, opportunities such as this would simply not be possible without this type of support.

Lisa Linnell | Year 5 and 6 Teacher

Eastern Fleurieu School | Years 9 -12

Fantastic to see these paintings and artworks in real life and for many of our students they may never get the opportunity again. It was great for them to make real like connections and see these pieces in person as we have studies them online/ books etc. but making that connection is valuable.

We are traveling from the country (over 1.25 hours by bus), and transport can be expensive. By the time we have to pay for TRTs etc. excursions can be expensive and at times limited. Having access to this subsidy has given us the opportunity to cut costs and increased the approval for our excursion. This has then resulted in our students having the opportunity to see this artwork in real life instead of just online.

Tracey Rosser | Art and Design Teacher

Flaxmill School P-6 | Year 4

Our Year 4 students thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition. They participated in a studio session before exploring the exhibition space, where they were able to view a wide variety of artworks. The students particularly enjoyed seeing the paintings in person and experiencing the diversity of artistic styles, techniques and subject matter. As students study French at school and have been exposed to many French artists through this exhibition, the excursion provided a valuable opportunity to make connections between their language learning, cultural understanding and the visual arts.

Excursions such as these enrich our teaching and learning programs by providing authentic, hands-on experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. Seeing original artworks encourages students to observe closely, ask questions, discuss their interpretations and develop an appreciation of different artistic approaches. These experiences help bring classroom learning to life, deepen students' cultural awareness and inspire their own creativity and artistic expression.

The transport subsidy made the excursion affordable and accessible for all students, including those with disabilities who may otherwise have faced additional barriers. Having a bus charter also reduced travel time and logistical demands, allowing students to spend more time engaging in the learning experiences at AGSA.

Sophie Tree | Teacher

Glossop Community School | Years 3 - 6

Visiting Monet to Matisse gave students the opportunity to experience artworks in person that they would normally only see in books or online. The excursion helped students make real connections between what we learn in the classroom and the wider world of art and culture. Excursions like this are valuable because they provide experiences that students may not otherwise have access to and give them new ideas and inspiration for their own learning.

The transport subsidy made it possible for our students to access learning experiences that would otherwise would be impossible due to the distance and cost of travel. It allowed students to visit the Art Gallery of South Australia and experience artworks such as those in Monet to Matisse in person, rather than only learning about them in the classroom. The excursion gave students new experiences, increased their exposure to art and culture, and helped reduce the impact of our school's isolation.

Ron Edwards | Teacher

Heathfield Primary School | Years 3 - 6

The exhibition came after a 14 week Visual Art Unit that looked at artists who used non-traditional painting techniques. I have a lot of students who don't believe they are talented artists because they can't draw detailed images. This unit of work demonstrated that art did not have to fit into very specific criteria. We looked at the evolution of Impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism and into abstract. We also learned the art of "slow looking" in which we sat and looked at a painting and noticed things.

My class was taken aback by seeing the brushworks in the Piet Mondrian - as when you look at photographs and online images - this level of detail is not apparent. They were so taken with seeing the brushstrokes and art techniques applied. I was able to standby - transfixed - as my class analysed Dalet Tet by Morris Louis - looking at the hopefulness of the colours trying to break through the bleakness of the black (their words).

Stephanie Keller | Teacher

Ingle Farm Parimary School | Years 5 and 6

This excursion helped the year 5/6's of our school engage and respond to artists and their artwork. We did a pre-assignment before we attended to assist with engagement and the students engaged well with seeing the artwork in person after looking at the images online.

We had so many students who otherwise would not have been able to afford the excursion to be able to go. The students and their families were happy with the price and we had 80% of our cohort attend.

The students mentioned that they loved Monet's 'Water Lillies' and they didnt know how large the painting actually was. They liked how there was different things to see and no artwork was the same.

They especially enjoyed creating the artwork in the Studio, and the time we were in there went by so fast as they were so engaged.

Shannon O'Boyle | Teacher

Leigh Creek Area School | Years 5 & 6

Visiting Monet to Matisse was a rich and inspiring experience for both students and staff. The exhibition gave students the opportunity to view significant artworks firsthand and to notice details, techniques, colours, and styles that are difficult to fully appreciate through books or screens. Students were highly engaged and able to make meaningful connections between what they saw in the gallery and what we had been learning in class about art, observation, and creative expression.

Excursions such as Monet to Matisse are highly valuable within teaching and learning programs because they provide authentic, real-world learning experiences. They deepen students' understanding by allowing them to engage directly with artworks, develop visual literacy, ask questions, and reflect on different perspectives and artistic styles. The excursion also supported cross-curricular learning by linking to literacy through discussion and recount writing, and to intercultural understanding through exposure to different historical and cultural contexts. Overall, it enriched classroom learning, increased student curiosity, and made the arts more meaningful and memorable.

The transport subsidy has had a significant impact on our students' access to meaningful learning opportunities beyond our local community. As a school in outback Australia, with a majority of Aboriginal students, many of our students have had limited opportunities to visit places such as the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum. The subsidy helped remove a major financial barrier and made it possible for our students to participate in rich, real-world experiences that would otherwise be difficult to access. It also supported greater equity by ensuring our students could access the same high-quality cultural and educational experiences as students in metropolitan areas.

Shiqi Huang | Teacher

Littlehampton Primary School | Years F-2

The experience was well-organised and relaxed. All the children enjoyed it and for many it was their first trip to an art gallery. The tour guides were understanding of the needs of young children and accommodating of their need to move and interact/answer questions. Amanda in the studio was fabulous. The children thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see these wonderful works of art and were treated with the same respect as every other gallery visitor.

The subsidy made it really easy for us to offer this experience to our students. Ordinarily, the cost of an excursion such as this would be difficult for many of our families. For many of the children, the art gallery is not a space that they visit with their families.

Nicole Nelson | Teacher

Mark Oliphant College | Years 11 and 12

For my students this experience was a once in a life time chance to see such an immense collection of historical artworks. The students have been able to return to school inspired, challenged and ready to create their major pieces. All students have created inspiring pages for their Folios. The enormity of this exhibition and importance of seeing artists they have studied for years was realised. The range of the artworks from Impressionism through to Abstract Expressionism has truly inspired and motivated the class to go big!

The Year 12s LOVED the chatterbox. We have used the Curiosity Cards on numerous occasions and the students enjoy the prompts to guide careful noticing.

Trudy Brown | Art Teacher

Meadows Primary School | Years 3 and 4

We had not previously had the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery as a school excursion due to the cost of transport, so when this opportunity arose, we saw it as the perfect chance to go. We often rely on incursions, where travelling presenters come to us, to help reduce costs for families. While these experiences are valuable, they do not have the same impact as visiting in person.

Many of the students had never visited an art gallery of this scale and were in awe of the building and the artworks on display. We also used the excursion as an opportunity to explore other buildings in the precinct during a movement break, such as the State Library and the South Australian Museum.

During these school holidays, several families are planning to visit the Art Gallery on their child's recommendation, which is a very exciting outcome.

We are so grateful for this experience. It was the highlight of Term 3 and possibly even the year for the Year 3/4 students. We would not have been able to make this excursion happen without the subsidy, so we would like to sincerely thank everyone involved. This includes our Finance Manager for bringing the opportunity to our attention.

Emma Caldow-Trott | Teacher

McLaren Vale Primary School | Years 5 and 6

It was a valuable experience for our four year 5/6 classes and we grateful for the timing and opportunity the Art Galllery of South Australia gave us. Thank you for making this possible.

This term our year 5/6 classes have been exploring and researching modern and contemporary art. They were then asked to create their own piece of art inspired by what they have discovered. Seeing the original art works from many they have researched brought their learning to life. Students were able to look closely at how artists used techniques and ideas to convey a message.

The subsidy made it possible for all four classes to visit the exhibition Monet to Matisse. Reducing the cost of transport, made the excursion more affordable for families and many more students could attend.

Mariea Burgess | Teacher

Orroroo Area School | Year 9-12

This was a highlight for our cohort of Senior Art students. They had never been to an Art Gallery before, except for the local Art exhibition that runs annually in our town hall, with art by local artists, so even the grandeur of the building and size made an impresion on them. These students have been privy to art teaching programs that have exposed them to the impressionist movement and in which they have learnt about some key artists of this time: Klee, Matisse, Van Gogh and Monet being the main ones so for them to be able to see in person and up close artworks by artists they have studied or used as inspiration, through Primary through to Senior school was mesmerising for them. "I can't believe that this is an actual Vincent Van Gogh piece" said one my students, almost in disbelief.

For my students, not only visiting the Monet to Matisse exhibit was exciting, but also to be given free time to wander the rest of the gallery exhibits meant they went on their own journey of discovery. The discussion between them all flowed freely as they naturally shared what they liked, and were drawn too and what they didn't understand or were taken aback by. As a teacher looking on, it was brilliant to see them so engaged, and having a completely new experience. I hope it will set them up to be confident to visit Galleries in their future and especially if they travel. For country kids this was golden.

The transport subsiby for us meant the difference between making it viable to come and not being able to - as simple as that. The financial aid we received and made our transport possible is equivalent in our small school to the entire year art budget for the secondary school. We could never use that all in one go to go on excursion. Just such a gift for us.

Joy Nutt | Teacher

Port Lincoln Primary School | Years 4 & 6

Fantastic to be able to link to art appreciation that we would be exposing students to in their learning. Living in Port Lincoln this opportunity was just incredible. A couple of our students had not been to Adelaide, let alone have an experience like this. Life changing!

Lucinda Lincoln | Teacher

Renmark High School | Years 9 - 12

Our students thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and left feeling inspired and amazed by both the artworks and the gallery itself. For many, this was their first visit to AGSA, and they were genuinely excited to have the opportunity to view masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso. This excursion provided valuable context for our classroom studies on Impressionists, Fauvists, and abstract artists, allowing students to directly connect their learning with real works in a gallery setting. Experiencing these artworks firsthand has greatly enriched their understanding and appreciation of the subject matter and seeing professional artists' techniques applied in actual pieces has reinforced the value of developing art skills in the classroom.

The excursion had an immense impact on our students' learning and further nurtured their love of art. If it were not for this grant, I would not have been able to take my two Visual Art classes to this exhibition, as the bus cost for the day is substantial.

Darija Atsaves | Visual Arts, Creative Arts and Digital Media Teacher

Riverton Primary School | Years F - 2

Students loved the opportunity see the art work and art gallery in general. For many students, it was their first time visiting the gallery. The transport subsidy allowed our students to attend this excursion, which would not have happened if not without the subsidy. Due to the distance and significant cost of transport, we do not get to the city often and many of our families do not go to the city as a family.

The students and staff appreciated the Curiosity Cards and this helped form a lot of discussions during and post the visit.

Simone Hier | Teacher

Tarlee Primary School | Years 3-6

Students at Tarlee Primary School had an excellent experience visiting Monet to Matisse, especially those who had not been to the Art Gallery before. The excursion gave them the chance to see famous artworks up close, build their understanding of art, and enjoy a new and inspiring learning experience beyond the classroom.

Having access to this transport subsidy made it possible for our students to attend an important learning experience that may otherwise have been difficult due to travel costs. It helped ensure all students could participate, including those who had not visited the Art Gallery before, and supported equitable access to rich learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Caroline Charnstrom | Teacher

Victor Harbor High School | Years 9 -12

The transport subsidy has given our students more access to events/exhibitions in the city without adding extra costs for families. It was a great opportunity for country kids to see exhibitions by famous artists they wouldn't normally get to see.

Emma Brown, Steve Kammermann, Mandy Jones | Teachers

Wallaroo Primary School | Years 3-6

Our children often don't leave the town, much less go to Adelaide for exhibitions like this. Being given this opportunity gave our learners an experience that they wouldn't have had otherwise. The grant allowed us to attend in an affordable way as bus transport is really expensive for us. It gave our children an experience they wouldn't have had otherwise.

Jess Martin | Community Enrichment Coordinator Wallaroo Primary School