Media Release
Connecting young creatives across southwest Victoria to build ideas, confidence and new creative opportunities.
Young people aged 16–25 across Glenelg, Corangamite, Moyne and Warrnambool are invited to take part in Creative Uprising; a new regional project connecting young creatives, strengthening local arts opportunities and supporting positive change.
Creative Uprising will bring young people together to share ideas, build connections and help shape creative spaces, programs and opportunities across the region.
The project begins in November with Stage 1: Listen & Learn. Participants will connect with local arts organisations, visit and meet with volunteer committee members, and share their perspectives on how local creative spaces and initiatives can become more welcoming, accessible and relevant to young people.
Young participants will develop recommendations for change, helping local organisations better understand and respond to the needs of young creatives.
In Stages 2 and 3, running from late 2026 to early 2027, participants will co-design and deliver creative activations across the region. They will work as a team while connecting with youth and arts -sector professionals.
Expressions of Interest now close 11.59PM, Sunday 18 October 2026.
Jindara Alberts, a young Gunditjmara woman involved with Beyond the Bell, has helped advise Creative Uprising. She said the project is a great opportunity for young people from across the region to come together, meet new people and share their ideas.
“I think Creative Uprising is a really good opportunity for young people to meet others from different towns and communities. We all have different experiences and ideas, and there’s a lot we can learn from each other when we come together.
It’s important that young people have spaces where they can share their ideas, be heard and actually have a say. This project gives young people the chance to be creative, connect with others and work together on something that can make a difference in their communities.”
Regional Arts Victoria’s Senior Manager, Stacey Barnes said the project would foster intergenerational exchange, strengthen local networks and respond to the needs identified by young creatives.
“Young people told us they want greater access to safe, accessible and youth-friendly spaces, both in person and online, where they can connect, create and learn,”
“They want to meet other creatives and mentors, understand pathways into the creative industries, and access inclusive local programs, equipment, workshops and opportunities to showcase their work. Creative Uprising is our collaborative regional response.”
Creative Uprising also includes opportunities to support and employ young people. The project’s title
graphic was created by Portland artist Kyra-Lee Marie Martyn O’Brien, 21, who was commissioned to develop the digital illustration and offered a mentoring session with Regional Arts Victoria’s Communications team. Ms Martyn O’Brien said,
“The artwork I created for Creative Uprising celebrates the young stars within our community through vivid rainbow colours and bright, glowing stars. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work on this project and expand my network of contacts in the arts.”
Expressions of Interest now close 11.59PM, Sunday 18 October 2026.
Young people can complete the form in writing via the Creative Uprising page, send a video or voice recording, or be interviewed by a member of the project team.
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Media Contact:
Kate Gerritsen | Director, Communications and Engagement | [email protected]
Images:
1. Young creatives at RAV’s Creative Exchange event, Lighthouse Theatre, Aug 2026. Photograph: André Elhay for Warrnambool City Council
2. RAV’s Senior Manager Stacey Barnes with Jindara Alberts from Beyond The Bell
3. Artist Kyra-Lee Marie Martyn O’Brien, image supplied
Creative Uprising is supported by the Australian Government through the Regional Arts Fund, by the South West Community Foundation, and by Corangamite Shire Council, Glenelg Shire Council, Moyne Shire Council and Warrnambool City Council through the Victorian Government’s Engage! program.
South West Creative Industries Strategy partners and funders:
Project also supported by:
