YOUTH ARTS AND MUSIC TOURING: Funding boost

Creative Australia has unveiled the recipients of its latest funding round, allocating $16.4 million to support artistic endeavours across the country. The investment prioritises youth arts and music touring, aiming to fuel at least 380 creative projects in Australian cities and regions.

This commitment aligns with the Australian Government's National Cultural Policy Revive, with a $450,000 allocation specifically dedicated to increasing youth participation in performing arts and theatre.

Music also received a significant boost, with $777,000 from Music Australia earmarked for various music projects. Further announcements regarding the first round of the Music Export Development Fund are expected later this week.

"This substantial investment will invigorate creativity and connect communities nationwide," said Director of Arts Investment Alice Nash. "We are proud to support these exceptional projects and anticipate their positive impact on both Australia and the global stage."

Funding highlights include:

• Archie Roach Foundation's Singing Our Futures: This program upholds the legacy of the late Archie Roach by mentoring emerging First Nations songwriters.
• grentperez at Lollapalooza: Western Sydney artist grentperez will showcase his talent on the international stage at Lollapalooza, a premier music festival.
• Women in Music Tech Summit: Music Production for Women will empower women in music production and mixing by offering free workshops.
• Support for First Nations Artists on Tour: The Contemporary Music Touring Program will back 23 tours featuring artists like Wanjoo, Tura New Music, Russell Smith, Jindahood/Emma Donovan, and Downsyde.

Beyond music, the funding extends to:

• Auslan Story Time Series: Story Box Library will create 40 Auslan interpretations of children's books, making them accessible in libraries and classrooms across Australia.
• Stompin Youth Dance Company: Australia's longest-running youth dance company will create a major work centered on the creative voices of young people in regional Australia.
• Regional Youth Theatre Collaboration: Just Us Ensemble (JUTE) and Overall Arts Youth Theatre Company will collaborate on a new work led by a rising playwright and director.
• Programs for Underrepresented Youth: Heaps Decent Youth Arts Program will ensure access to art-making activities for marginalised youth in New South Wales.
• Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation: Their Creative Recovery Program, titled Kuku Bakal Kaykayanda (Giving Words to all the Children), will promote participation for disaster-affected youth in Northern Queensland.
• Indigenous Voices in Art Monthly: Art Monthly's initiative will increase representation of First Nations writers, editors, and mentors.

For a complete recipient list, please visit the Creative Australia website.