YOUTH creativity will be celebrated and encouraged when the inaugural ‘Warra Youth Arts Festival occurs next month.
Developed by the former Gannawarra Shire Youth Council, Kerang Technical High School students, Emma Thompson and Carmen Baulch have developed a four-day program running on December 11, 12, 15 and 16.
“We’ve made a program that has something for everyone, drawing on skilled workshop leaders from Melbourne and Gannawarra,” Miss Baulch said.
“Young artists can exhibit their works and participate in the painting workshop and Insta meet. Young musicians can take part in Making Music and African Drumming with opportunities to perform. Our young writers can be creative with slam poetry and song writing.”
Events will be based at the Kerang Memorial Hall, with people aged 12 to 25 years encouraged to participated in the free workshops.
The festival will finish on Saturday, December 16 with a finale, where where family and friends can enjoy an evening of youth performances and street food.
“Our young leaders have worked hard to get it happening. We are so proud to support them with their ideas and reward their efforts. This festival builds their capacity to plan, develop and deliver events to a local audience,” Gannawarra Shire Council director of community wellbeing, Stacy Williams said.
“Not only does this festival allow local young people the opportunity to be creative and participate in arts, it enables council to support the Gannawarra communities’ goals of holding more events for young people.”
As part of the festival, an exhibition of young aspiring artists’ works will be on display from Wednesday through to February in Patchell Plaza, Kerang, with an official opening event on Friday, December 15.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
(All events at Kerang Memorial Hall unless specified)
Monday, December 11
10am to 12 noon – Painting workshop with Caroline Ellis
12.30pm to 2.30pm – Insta Meet
Tuesday, December 12
10am to 12 noon – Poetic Licence with Outer Urban Poets
Friday, December 15
5.30pm to 6.30pm – Exhibition opening (Patchell Plaza)
Saturday, December 16
10am to 12 noon – Making Music Workshop
12.30pm to 2.30pm – Song writing
4pm to 5.30pm – African drumming
6pm to 8pm – Festival finale
