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12 June 2009
Youth arts on tap - what a program!
Byron Shire Youth Activity Centre launches an exciting 6 months of cultural programs for Byron Shire’s 12 to 25 year olds.
Byron Shire Council’s community development and projects officer, Robyn Masters said young people of Byron Shire were recently asked what was important to them.
“One of their highest priorities was access to events, cultural activities and entertainment,” Ms Masters said.
“A fantastic new program of activities for the YAC has been generated from talks with Byron Shire youth and listening to what activities they wanted to see held.
“Their vision resulted in local arts and creative industries consultant, Jill Eddington, being engaged to facilitate a roundtable discussion with the key creative industry representatives in the region.
“Input into the program was sourced from peak arts organisations including NORPA, Northern Rivers Writers’ Centre, Screenworks, North Coast TAFE and ArtsNorthernRivers.
“These organisations were very quick to support our youth and their input has resulted in a public program of youth events across all art forms,” Ms Masters said.
The newly developed YAC program includes over 20 new activities and initiatives to be held in the centre over the next 6 months.
“The YAC will be a very busy place with programs including a new shire wide competition for youth film makers and a film festival,” Ms Masters said.
“Young artists will also have the opportunity to access the studio space and learn how to make a music video clip and school holiday programs will feature courses in acting and writing.
“The YAC has been upgraded, the POPE license is in place and now a creative new program is in place. We’re all set to go,” she said.
Byron Youth Activity Centre Coordinator Belle Arnold said she is very excited to have this dynamic range of creative events, residences, workshops and performances that will appeal to youth throughout the shire.
“Linking young people with each of the peak arts organisations is a real first for the region,” she said.
Young people can enroll for the courses and the entire program is available on Council’s website www.byron.nsw.gov.au/yac or by contacting Belle Arnold or Michael Prigmore on 6685 9341 .
To support the new program the Byron YAC is seeking the support of business or individuals in the form of prizes and awards for young people.
The YAC is also available to other organisations, individuals and groups of young people to hire for any activity that attracts young people between 12 and 25 years.
For YAC venue bookings or offers of prizes please contact Belle Arnold or Michael Prigmore on 6685 9341 or directly through the website on www.byron.nsw.gov.au/yac.
END
Media Contact: Robyn Masters
Community Development and Projects Officer
Byron Shire Council
Ph: 6685 9343
Byron Shire is located at Australia's eastern-most point with a population of almost 29,000. It is a thriving community where residents and visitors live, work and play in a sustainable environment and where Council strives to deliver the highest standard of local government services and infrastructure.
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