Young creative minds sought for Young Creatives Lab

The City of Melbourne is on the hunt for ambitious young artists and creatives to take part in the 2019 SIGNAL Young Creatives Lab.

Expressions of interest are now open for 18 to 25 year olds to be part of the Young Creatives Lab program, which provides an opportunity for young artists and creative practitioners to see their ideas realised.

Chair of the Arts, Culture and Heritage portfolio, Councillor Rohan Leppert, said project proposals ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 would be considered.

"We want to hear from young artists of all disciplines, as well as creatives such as curators, producers, performers, designers, film makers, gamers, new media artists and writers," Cr Leppert said.

"Successful applicants will be encouraged to make full use of the SIGNAL venue and facilities for the development and presentation of their projects, including the visual arts studio, rehearsal space, computer lab, plaza, screens and soundwalk.

"This is an amazing opportunity for young creatives to make their mark and gain access to incredible facilities and invaluable mentorship."

The SIGNAL Young Creatives Lab encourages experimentation, exploration and discussion to foster new creative possibilities. Young artists will begin with a Lab intensive covering concept development and budgeting to project management.

Successful applicants will be supported throughout the development of their project, with access to one on one mentoring sessions and producing support from Signal staff.

Young Creatives Lab alumni and dancer Niharika Senapapti said the program was the perfect platform for young artists to discover themselves.

"The support and the freedom of the program, combined with the practical skills I gained, allowed me to take the first steps in making my own work as a dancer," she said.

Applicants must complete a simple online application by Friday 31 May to be considered and include the proposed project idea and budget. Projects will be assessed and selected based on:

  • Innovation and point of difference.
  • Idea is clearly expressed and achievable.
  • Impact of participation in the Young Creatives Lab on the applicant's professional development.
  • How the idea / proposal engages with the Signal venue.

Potential applications can view the venue and facilities at SIGNAL, meet SIGNAL staff and ask questions at the Young Creatives Lab Information Session to be held at SIGNAL on Wednesday 15 May at 6pm. Bookings are recommended.

Key Dates

  • EOI Opens Monday 6 May at 9am
  • EOI Closes Friday 31 May at 9pm
  • Young Creatives Lab Info session Wednesday 15 May, 6pm at Signal
  • Successful/Unsuccessful applicants notified by Tuesday 18 June
  • Lab Intensive at Signal Thursday 18 July and Friday 19 July 2019 (Successful applicants must be available to take part in the Lab intensive in July at Signal.)
  • Projects must be delivered between August 2019 and May 2020.

    More about SIGNAL:

    Signal is the City of Melbourne's creative studio for young people 13 to 25 years, located in the heart of Melbourne. The program offers young people the opportunity to work alongside artists in a collaborative way, through multi-artform workshops and mentoring; as well as providing young emerging artists with opportunities and spaces for exploration, creation and presentation.

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