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July 4, 2022
Culture

Exercising creativity with Adelaide’s youth

Not-for-profit arts organisation Carclew jumpstarts creative careers for South Australian youth. As the organisation celebrates 50 years, its ExpressWay Arts program is hosting a skill-showing night, presenting what its members have been working on over the past year.

  • This article was produced in collaboration with Carclew.

ExpressWay Arts provides a platform for the participants, aged 13 to 24, to vocalise their opinions on issues they see in their community, and more broadly in the world around them, to develop works in film, animation, music and performance.

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Carclew’s ExpressWay Arts Skills Showing night
6:30—8pm Friday, 8 July
Port Noarlunga Arts Centre
22 Gawler Street, Port Noarlunga 5167
More info

The program has created a space for collaboration, contemplation and expression, as well as a vehicle to develop young artists’ creative skills.

Past projects have included a radio play exploring bullying, songwriting for social change, and a short film showcasing the different challenges young people face.

Almost 100 young people have been involved in the program over the years since ExpressWay Arts inception.

This year, the group collectively decided they would learn a broad range of creative skills and develop a project that would showcase the diversity of creative skills they have learnt over the year.

”We’ve done nothing quite like this before,” ExpressWay Arts creative producer Tamara Lee Collins says.

“It’s not really a play or performance; it’s something that encompasses everything that they’ve learnt in a really cool way.”

The event will offer an insight into the multifaceted nature of Carclew as an organisation.

“Visitors should come with no expectations, but brace for an indulgence in music, performance, visual arts and animation,” Tamara says.

”We’re inviting people to come and be a part of the program.

“It’s totally free to join and a really inviting and collaborative space.”

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Carclew crew attending a workshop

 

The skills showing night also demonstrates the breadth of opportunity available to ExpressWay’s participants.

“Program members can pick certain skills and delve into these in the sessions,” Tamara says.

“They have different professional makers and mentors who support them in their projects. They’ve done filmmaking, animations, stage combat, voice work, writing, music performance, and now, finally, they’re focussing on directing.”

Some of the young artists in the program even discover new creative interests along the way.

“I really think we’ve all benefited from skill building,” Tamara says.

“It’s brought other skills and interests into the group; for example, physical performance has become a group love after the stage combat workshops. One person, Lauren, has been surprised by her extra interest and talent for animation.

“We all really loved having community members join us to write songs based around their stories. There has been a lot passion and confidence in the participants this years, who are now itching to perform.”

Chief Executive of Carclew, Tricia Walton, says the organisation is dedicated to transforming young lives through creativity and responding to the voices of young people.

“Carclew’s creative programs and activities have always responded to the needs and interests of children and young people across South Australia,” she says.

“Our programs and artforms have adjusted as young voices across the decades have expressed different interests.

“For the past five decades, we have offered programs in photography, theatremaking and production, music performance and recording, dance, radio, filmmaking, writing and publishing, visual arts, and digital and cross art form collaboration.”

Tricia says ExpressWay arts is “an example” of Carclew’s ability to respond to the “creative aspirations of its young participants”.

As part of its commitment to building the next generation of Adelaide’s arts community, Carclew also supports young people through facilitating professional development opportunities.

The organisation has invested more than $5 million through project grants, fellowships and scholarships in the critical early years of young artists’ careers.

“Many people working in the arts and creative industries across Australia today have received encouragement, professional mentoring, employment or financial support from Carclew for their first steps towards a professional career,” Tricia says. “Approximately 100 early career artists have been employed as arts administration trainees.”

 

Carclew announces 50th anniversary giving campaign ‘$50 for 50 Years’

In recognition of Carclew achieving its milestone anniversary of 50 years, Carclew has established the $50 for 50YRS giving campaign.

Over the past 50 years, thousands of children and young people have had a direct experience with Carclew, where they have been able to explore their creativity, build their imagination and grow their confidence through self-expression and exploration.

Carclew has kickstarted careers and entertained audiences through arts programs and events, showcasing South Australia’s emerging creative artists.

Carclew requests YOUR support to cement its ability to boost creative practices for future generations.

Chief Executive Tricia Walton says she hopes to encourage the South Australian community to commit to an annual $50 donation.

“It’s a small amount to help us continue transforming lives for another 50 years,” she says.

“Every donation is matched – through Creative Partnerships’ Plus 1 initiative until December. So this year is a great time for people to give to Carclew.”

To make a donation, visit the Carclew website.

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