Dear Members,

We have some exciting youth arts updates and opportunities that couldn’t wait until our next bulletin!

Federal Youth Engagement Strategy released!
This morning the Office for Youth released the new Federal youth engagement strategy, Engage! It is fantastic to see some principles within the strategy that were championed by TNA in our submission, including collaborating with the youth sector, meeting young people in the spaces they feel most comfortable, and giving young people and their advocates time to prepare and respond. The strategy includes new initiatives such as an annual national youth forum, a new digital youth hub, an annual national youth survey, grants to strengthen the capability of First Nations young people in leadership and engagement, and more.

Creative Australia Peer Assessors
This month Creative Australia will begin accepting nominations to become a peer assessor. It is vital that we ensure the pool includes representation from youth arts and theatre for young audiences professionals, to give their valuable perspective and expertise, and ensure that young people have a champion in the funding assessment processes. Please ensure you register to be a peer, and encourage others in your organisation/community to register too.

Creative Australia Leadership Program
Applications for the new Creative Leadership Program close April 9th. It includes a professional development budget, and a number of in-person and online sessions over eighteen months. It would be fantastic to see leaders from the youth arts sector in this program and taking advantage of the resources and networks it offers, so I encourage you to apply and to share with your networks. I am an alumnus myself and got so much out of the program!

AICD Scholarships
The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is offering fully-funded scholarships for their Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors program. This is a great program for Board members and those who report to a Board to learn about areas like governance, risk, and finance. I strongly encourage those from youth arts organisations to apply. Applications close April 19th.

New Creative Partnerships state managers
Creative Partnerships, now within Creative Australia, have new state managers who can assist you with free coaching and personal advice around fundraising, philanthropy, and business partnerships. Contact them to book in an appointment.