$8 million to help Creative Young Stars

Media Release.

31 May 2013

Applications for the Gillard Government’s Creative Young Stars program will officially open on June 1.

Young Australians, aged 25 years and under, could share in $8 million to help them realise their dreams in creative and performing arts, cultural activities, school and community service and academia.
Minister for School Education and Youth Peter Garrett, Minister for the Arts Tony Burke and Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Michael Danby said applications will be accepted until June 21, 2013 for the first round of the program. Grants of $500 are available for individuals and grants of $3000 are available for groups of six or more members.
In Round 1, the program will deliver grants to 12 individuals and two groups in each of the 150 Federal Electorates across Australia.
“The Gillard Government is determined to help young Australians reach their full potential whether that is at school, in performing arts, community service or leadership activities,” Mr Garrett said.
“That’s why we are complementing our record investments in school education with this $8 million investment to help young Australians realise their dreams.
“A little support when a young person is starting out can set them on the trajectory to a great career.
“I strongly encourage all young Australians to apply for a Creative Young Stars grant to help them chase their dreams,” he said.
Mr Burke said the arts are an important part of Australia’s economic as well as cultural life.
“These grants go to the young Australians who help guarantee a creative Australia into the future,” Mr Burke said.
“Their talent, genius and creativity helps make modern Australian culture what it is.”
The Creative Young Stars Program is a feature of Creative Australia, the Australian Government’s national cultural policy.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Michael Danby said many gifted young people are unable to take advantage of opportunities because they simply do not have the money.
“The Creative Young Stars grants will help young people develop their talents further by helping them to participate in events such as competitions, eisteddfods, public speaking tournaments and other cultural, artistic or academic events,” Mr Danby said.
“I am proud the Gillard Government is able to make this practical investment to ensure that more young Australians get the chance to reach their potential and make an even greater contribution to Australia in the creative fields,” Mr Danby said.
For more information on the Creative Young Stars program visit http://www.youth.gov.au/sites/youth/news/pages/creative-young-stars

Peter Garrett AM
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth
Tony Burke MP
Minister for the Arts
Michael Danby MP
Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts