Art Exhibition to Illuminate Youth’s Talents

Youth have a chance to see their work illuminated in the Heathcote Gallery as part of the YAC It Up Alternative Events for 2009. The aim of the YAC It Up Alternative Events is to provide more varied events to appeal to a broader range of young people and create better accessibility than the traditional one-off outdoor youth concert at Point Walter.

Community Development Officer Jo McKay said Illuminate was about creating positive perceptions of young people in the broader community, highlighting their issues, ideas and interests. “The exhibition will be created by young people for everyone,” she said. “From spray art to sculpture - anything goes. Being hosted by the Heathcote Gallery means young artists will get an opportunity to display their work in a professional gallery space and work with a professional curator to install their artwork.”

A series of workshops will be held in the weeks leading up to the exhibition where young, up-and-coming artists will work with professional artists Minaxi May and Dan Duggan. Both artists are experienced and well-known in the Perth art scene for their public art focusing on popular culture, sculpture and street art.

Dan Duggan said there were countless opportunities in the community for sports activities, but there was a need for more outlets for visual and creative youth. “Illuminate will encourage young people’s positive self-expression through artwork, as well as providing a chance for them to see their work in a proper exhibition environment,” he said.

The exhibition will run from 24 April to 10 May, 2009. To register your interest, contact Community Development Officer Jo McKay on 9364 0669, or email jo.mckay@melville.wa.gov.au.