Skateboard painter Sarah Stirling, KickstART Festival project officer Sam Leung, stall holder Lauren Mills, artist Jenna Downing (foreground) and sculptor Matt McVeigh.
Camera IconSkateboard painter Sarah Stirling, KickstART Festival project officer Sam Leung, stall holder Lauren Mills, artist Jenna Downing (foreground) and sculptor Matt McVeigh. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Festival inspires youth

By Emilia VranjesEastern Reporter

Propel Youth Arts WA Project Officer Sam Leung said the peak body for youth arts in WA would use the festival, which has grown from last year’s 10-day offering into a two-month program, to stake their claim for a youth-specific arts space similar to those seen in other states.

‘In Melbourne, they have a youth gallery called Signal next to the Flinders Street Station and there’s also a big one in Adelaide that caters to youth,’ she said.

‘Being able to open for two months this year is a great way to show how successful things can be and it’s really time for us to demonstrate why we should have something permanent.’

The festival, which coincides with National Youth Week from April 5 to 14, has two main attractions: the KickstART Market Day on April 6 at the Perth Cultural Centre and the KickstART Hub at 192 William Street, from April 5 until May 31.

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The markets will feature local artists selling original and vintage wares, accompanied by live music and other performances.

The convivial KickstART Hub ” decked out with vintage furniture and local artwork ” will deliver workshops and forums, ranging from light photography and fashion illustration to mental illness and sexual health education.

‘The Hub is designed for young people, but judging by the response we got last year, it’s generally accessible to everyone,’ Leung said.