Hall National Youth Week prepares for blast-off

by David Hall

April 7, 2008

The 2008 National Youth Week is set to start with a bang when it launches locally with an all-ages gig in Northbridge this Saturday, April 5.

The WA launch has been coordinated by PropelArts, a youth-run arts body dedicated to supporting young artists in every medium.

Susannah Day (22), who’s the PropelArts projects co-ordinator, says activities like National Youth Week showcase young artists that otherwise might not be seen.

“It empowers youth artists to create their own art and break the moulds created for them by adult artists,” says Day.

The Northbridge Cultural Centre at the eastern end of James Street was selected for the launch because of its central location.

“We’ve divided it into two separate spaces – the ‘launch pad’ in the Northbridge amphitheatre and an exhibition in the PICA exhibition space,” Day explains.

The PropelArts team has organised two and a half hours of entertainment for the event from upcoming youth artists - including dancers, singers and speakers.

Freo youth rockers The Flairs headline the launch pad, alongside eclectic percussion group Sambanistas and the now Perth-based Sudanese refugee band Exodus Musica.

Youth minister Ljiljanna Ravlich will open the event alongside several youth speakers. Multicultural food and drink will be on sale at an international food market, along with free show bags.

The festivities start at 12:30pm in the Northbridge Amphitheatre and entry is free. National Youth Week runs until April 13 and more info can be found at http://www.youthweek.com/.