Biennial NYPA Summit

“[If I were Prime Minister] I would change the framing of the Arts in Australia to, a) reflect the power of the Arts in transforming other social areas (education, social work, community engagement), b) celebrate how the Arts positively impacts all Australians, and c) champion an artistic career as a real career, with significant financial investment in Arts programs, schools, pathways and salaries.”

“The world has changed and we’re trying to be responsive to that.”

“Sometimes we forget that we belong to each other. We may be in different groups, but ultimately, we’re all in this together.”

“Allowing young people to speak for themselves is the first step to empowering them to using their voices in all aspects of their lives. Youth Arts has a radical power often overlooked. It is about the process of engaging with young people, rather than the product produced.”

“We have to work on redefining what success is, and how that looks for leadership… We shouldn’t have to redefine ourselves to be a ‘leader’.”

“Our creative work with, for and/or by young Australians has become more important than ever before…Because, if the broad church that is the arts share one common feature, it’s bringing people together.”

“Our product is our network of relationships.”

“Being a smaller and less populated city means that Darwin has less opportunities in the arts department than other places. I always try to work hard, yet sometimes it feels that I am always to be more disadvantaged than others because of the place that I call home.”

“When adults act like adults, it allows kids to act like kids. When adults start acting like kids, it forces kids to have to act like adults.”

“What you all do is so important, this world in which you live, work, create and thrive has become a home for me. This space has become a place where I can be at ease. It has nurtured me into who I am today. Without it there is no me and that goes for so many of my peers as well.”

“[If I were Prime Minister] I would change the framing of the Arts in Australia to, a) reflect the power of the Arts in transforming other social areas (education, social work, community engagement), b) celebrate how the Arts positively impacts all Australians, and c) champion an artistic career as a real career, with significant financial investment in Arts programs, schools, pathways and salaries.”

“Youth Arts needs to stop working in silos and instead work together. We need to truly centre the voices of the young people and artists we work with/for/on behalf of.” 

“A great opportunity to connect with peers across the sector, and reaffirm the value of what we all do.”

“It lifted me up when I needed it most.”

“There is hope to elevate Youth Performing Arts at a Government level in recognising the need, value and important effect it has on young people’s lives.”

“…The commitment of colleagues in the room was palpable.”

“It was a fantastic turnout and the critical mass meant we could have impactful discussions and outcomes. The session topics and speakers were so well chosen and provided an incredible amount of value to new people and veterans alike.”

“Youth Arts needs to stop working in silos and instead work together. We need to truly centre the voices of the young people and artists we work with/for/on behalf of.”