Creative ideas become reality in the Central West

Young people in Central West Queensland are increasingly being described as ‘creative’ and ‘enterprising’ thanks to the continuing work of Human Ventures (formerly SpeakOut) and the Creative Pathways in the Central West program.

Emerging from the program, in June this year, was the inaugural Shockwave Youth Arts Festival (Shockwave). Supported by the Human Ventures team, Shockwave was conceived and coordinated by young people from the Central West region and was extremely well received and attended by more than 200 people.

From the 24th to the 31st October, young people in the Central West will again have the opportunity to participate in creative arts workshops and showcase their talent.

“Our artsworkers will facilitate creative arts workshops in visual arts, film, drama, performance and event production,” states Program Coordinator, Steph Vajda.

In addition to creative arts workshops, which have been running successfully in the region for the past 2 years, new initiatives have been added to the Creative Pathways in the Central West program.

The Pitch is one of the new additions to the Program and involves a youth enterprise competition that will assist young people to translate their ideas into action.

Steph continues, “whether it’s a community project, an event or a small business idea, we aim to support and skill young people to turn their vision real into a reality.”

Way Out West is a local community showcase that will bring together the outcomes of the creative arts workshops, The Pitch and other regional activities. Way Out West will feature music, film, performance and art installations and will take place at the Blackall Memorial Hall on Saturday 31st October 2009.

Transport, accommodation and meals are available for young people to take part in The Pitch and the Way Out West showcase in Blackall. To get involved, just complete an Expression of Interest form available at www.human.org.au/wow or contact Claire Rawlins. Claire is a dancer, 19, from Longreach and has been involved in the Program since its commencement in 2007. Contact Claire on 0400 754 865 or by emailing CPCWSupport@gmail.com.

Assistance is also being sought from youth and community organisations, and the broader community, in the areas of:

• Transport (particularly if you have a bus and/or bus licence)
• Supervision of young people who have travelled to Blackall for the showcase
• Referring talent and content for the showcase

Creative Pathways in the Central West is currently supported by: Ian Potter Foundation, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Longreach Youth Development Office, Longreach Arts Council, Remote Area Planning and Development Board, Outbakc Pathways and Careers, CICADAS and Human Ventures.

For general information about the Creative Pathways in the Central West program, contact Rossi Crothers at Human Ventures on 07 3229 8055.

For further comment or an interview please contact Aleem Ali at Human Ventures on 07 3229 8055.