Thanks to the support of Foundation for Regional & Rural Renewal (FRRR), Regional Arts Victoria was able to work with some amazingly talented young people in the Latrobe Valley to facilitate the first ever Imagine and Bloom Arts Market, held at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in January.
This event was born from the ideas of four local young people who participated in the ABC’s Takeover Latrobe Valley last year and recognised the need for a space where young artists could be front and centre—while also having opportunities to be paid for their work.
Through a four-month paid mentorship program facilitated by RAV, these young creatives, aged between 12 and 25 years, designed, planned, and delivered the Imagine and Bloom Arts Market, bringing together a vibrant mix of live performances by local musicians, market stalls by local makers, and a visual art gallery showcasing local artists’ work. The event also featured interactive art pieces for the community to contribute to, games, free artist-led workshops, and an activity table run by Headspace.
“Though this project, something I learnt about myself is that I really like planning events. I feel important and powerful and I love the feeling of helping or putting something out there for others”
– Annalyse, 16, mentee
This project resulted in:
- 4 paid mentorship positions in Community Art Project Design and Delivery
- paid gigs for 17 young creatives (musicians, makers and visual artists)
- employment of 2 young producers from Gippsland Performing Arts Centre
- attendance of 130 community members
Work will continue in this area to create beneficial and sustainable creative industries and help shape the creative identity of the region.
Image: Polaroids taken at the event, January 2025
Posted 11 March 2025