Artstart - About

ArtStart is a dynamic art program designed for young people aged 12 to 24 in New South Wales. The program aims to build skills, resilience and networks by engaging young people in creative projects and processes.

Each alternate year, 23 organisations are funded by TAFE NSW to coordinate a program of art based projects across NSW. The program guidelines are flexible, allowing community organisations to respond creatively to the diverse interests and needs of young people in their region.

‘I learnt how to warm up and cool down safely and to work in a team. I learnt heaps of new circus skills and, most importantly, I learnt to have faith in myself and my abilities.’ Yyani-Rose (Blue Mountains Circus Skills Workshop)
 ArtStart encourages a community based approach where young people take an active role in designing and directing projects. Community organisations work with teams of young people to plan, promote, coordinate and evaluate activities and events.

ArtStart focuses on building skills through experiential learning, mentoring and encouraging pathways to further education and training. Projects and workshops are facilitated by professional artists with relevant industry experience and networks.

“The model of bringing professional artists into schools to engage young people to ultimately link with community events is a great model to work from.” Glenn Brown, Principal, MacLean High School

Celebrating young people’s creative achievements is another important element of ArtStart. As performers, producers, artists and creative management teams, ArtStart participants reflect the diversity of art forms and interests engaging young people today.

At both a state and a local level, ArtStart plays a key role in linking youth, arts, education and training organisations. These networks come together to stimulate, plan and sustain creative resources and activities for young people.

“Through ArtStart activities, local arts and cultural industries have been helping to break down young people’s perceptions of art as being exclusive – forging links between youth culture and what many youth perceive as high or exclusive cultural pursuits.” ArtStart Coordinator, Central West NSW