Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford

Friday, April 11, 2008

Children and young people encouraged to get into the arts

Arts Minister Rod Welford today launched arts culture + me, a four-year action plan to encourage greater participation in the arts by Queensland’s children and young people.

Mr Welford said more than 650 children and young people, parents, teachers, arts and youth workers, elders and community members from across the state had taken part in a three-month consultation which formed the blueprint for the action plan.

“Children and young people told us of the important role the arts play in their lives; in building their confidence, expressing themselves and making connections with others,” Mr Welford said.

“They also spoke of the need for greater encouragement to take part in the arts – at home, in the classroom and in creative spaces.

“arts culture + me features a range of initiatives to improve access to creative activities, workshops, mentoring and funding for emerging artists, as well as focusing on the development of creative spaces for children and young people throughout the state.”

Mr Welford said the cornerstone of the action plan was The Edge, a dedicated space for young people at the Cultural Centre in Brisbane.

“Our Government is investing $7.9 million over two years to develop The Edge into an interactive ideas and technology centre for young people,” he said.

“Due to open in 2009, the shared facility will be managed by the State Library featuring programs from across the Cultural Centre which will encourage young people to explore and develop their creativity through innovative programs and experimental arts opportunities.

“Planning for The Edge is underway, with 13 young people consulting with architects and programmers to ensure the space achieves what young people want from it.”

Other initiatives in the Children and Young People in the Arts Action Plan 2008-11 include: This is serious Mum! Creative Ambition Grants of up to $50,000 for young artists and arts workers to start or grow their own creative businesses; Culture Love holiday arts program workshops in Queensland’s regional Indigenous communities; and sponsorship of the 2008 Child Friendly Cities conference in Brisbane which promotes the value of arts and culture in designing cities responsive to children’s needs.

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336

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