When you approach YMCA HQ in Leederville, you won’t be able to miss the stunning new piece of street art on the front of the Leederville landmark.
An arts sponsorship from Healthway has made it possible for HQ’s youth leadership group to develop and deliver this, along with the guidance and advice of local artist Darren Hutchens, as part of the Drug Aware School Holiday Program at HQ in October.
“The young people worked on a concept with Darren over two days to create and install the new artwork outside the building and outside the café as well,” HQ Manager Andrew Rigg explained.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for the young people to learn from a professional and utilise the mural as a way to project their values, having them on display for everyone to see.”
As well as creative development opportunities, Healthway’s partnership also supports the delivery of the fortnightly, Sweet Oblivion series of events in the HQ Gig Space, where up and coming artists can not only perform but also learn industry skills.
“For many young people Sweet Oblivion is the first time they’ve had the experience of playing in front of a live audience, which is awesome, but what we’re really wanting to do now is further develop that program,” Andrew said.
“Rather than only the performance experience we want to be able to introduce them to industry skills, so we’re going to do this through a rolling program of industry workshops.
“Young people will be able to learn about marketing, technical skills like sound operating and engineering, developing a stage plot and we’ll also provide them with connections within the local music scene so they’ve got go-to people who can help them develop their careers,” Andrew said.
“We’re really grateful for Healthway’s ongoing support of the programs here at HQ and without their support we certainly wouldn’t be able to do as much as we are.
“It goes a long way in terms of helping young people develop and become involved in their community, becoming healthy and active people later in life.”