Youth Arts Policy launched in National Youth Week

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, today celebrated National Youth Week 2003 with young artists and representatives of the youth and arts sectors at the official launch of the Young People and the Arts Policy.

Mr Anthony was also joined at the launch in Brisbane by Fenella Kernebone, presenter of Triple J’s arts program Artery and the new electronic music program Sound Lab.

“The Policy was developed by the Australia Council of the Arts, from recommendations from its 13 national Youth Panel members. It has been designed to deliver tangible benefits to young artists, young people and children who participate in artistic activity. The policy will also help arts workers who create work for young people.

“The artistic and creative activities of young people and children are extremely diverse and this policy will support the development and growth of these skills.

“I am pleased to launch this policy during National Youth Week 2003. National Youth Week is a joint Commonwealth, state, territory and local government initiative to celebrate and recognise the contribution young people make to their communities.

“Run by young people for young people, National Youth Week provides a real opportunity for young Australians aged between 12 and 25 to express themselves and get involved.

“I congratulate all involved in the development of the Young People and the Arts Policy,” Mr Anthony said.

For more information, including other National Youth Week events in Brisbane, contact the National Youth Week Project team on 1300 663 500 or email Youth Week (youthweek@facs.gov.au).