SUBMISSIONS for the revival of the Swan Hill Youth Arts Festival are open for young people around the region.
NOVO Youth Council, with the support of Youth Inc, is bringing the festival back for the first time since COVID restrictions halted all public events.
Youth Arts Festival ambassador Angelica Watson is a talented visual artist who got involved with the festival and NOVO prior to COVID, and is now an organiser.
“The festival provides the opportunity and space to display your art and get your name out there, and encourages community engagement,” Ms Watson said.
“It’s such an exciting event that is run by young people, for young people.”
While she was hesitant to submit her art in 2019, she was now advocating for other young creative aged 12 to 25 to submit their works.
“While there are prizes on offer, the focus is on celebrating local creativity, and displaying the hearts and minds of the community’s young people,” she said.
There are no maximum submissions per artist, and all mediums of art are accepted, including audio-visual and written word.
The organising committee will go through a selection process that prioritises maximising the number of artists included in the festival.
“You don’t have to have studied art or be an expert, it’s about getting your ideas and emotions out there,” Ms Watson said.
“It’s a platform for young artists to shine, offering recognition and appreciation of their skills.”
NOVO Youth Council also has opportunities for young people to get involved in organising this and other youth-oriented events around the region.
Ms Watson said she had a passion for helping people and found an avenue for that in her position with NOVO.
“It’s challenging being in the leadership position, but I get to apply my passions and help other young people get involved in making spaces for us around the community,” she said.
One of the initiatives NOVO was working on for this event was a website for the displayed arts, so they could be viewed after the festival and showcase the event in future years.
The Youth Arts Festival is a one-day event, running on October 26 in conjunction with the Swan Hill Market Day.
Visit Youth Inc at 50-52 Campbell Street and have a chat, send them a message through Facebook or call Youth Support Officer Steph Hartshorn on 5036 2482 for more information, or go to www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/Services/Youth-Inc
