Newcastle youth take centre stage for week of celebration and self-expression

The Up & Up graffiti workshop.

Ice skating, hip hop and graffiti workshops, and an evening museum 'takeover' are among the activities on offer for the city's teens and young adults during Youth Week 2024.

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City of Newcastle (CN) is hosting and supporting a diverse program of youth-led events as part of the annual state-wide celebration, which highlights the contribution young people make to the community.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that this year's program, from 11 - 21 April, has been designed by young Novocastrians and will be delivered in co-operation with community organisations.

"Self-expression and celebration are at the heart of Youth Week, which is why we support Newcastle's young people to organise inclusive, diverse and fun activities for people their own age," Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson said CN has worked with the Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee through the Youth Week grants program to support a broad range of initiatives.

"City of Newcastle is proud to support our young people with opportunities to express themselves, their ideas, raise issues and develop strategies through their chosen events," Cr Richardson said.

"Every year we support activities that promote cultural diversity, social inclusion, arts and culture, mental health and wellbeing while highlighting the contribution that young people make to the Newcastle community. This year’s packed program is no exception."

CN and the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have provided more than $10,000 in funding towards six main activities that will take place during Youth Week.

The feature event of the program will see 13 to 17-year-olds “takeover” Newcastle Museum for a lock-in, parent-free night of fun including live music, DJs, collaborative music workshops, open-mic opportunities and mystery tours with the curator.

An all-ages youth band night coordinated by Headspace and an inclusive art projection, food and entertainment evening put on by Wesley Mission and young LGBTQIA+ artists will satisfy the creatives, while a full day of ice skating co-ordinated by Hunter Multicultural Centre and the HMC youth group will be perfect for active types.

Participants of the Create Your Place at Youth Week event at Museum Park will be able to unleash their artistic sides while honing their skills in graffiti art and hip hop thanks to Up & Up.

Young people with multicultural backgrounds will be taking part in a storytelling self-portrait process co-ordinated by And Then Photo Agency. The images will be displayed on digital screens in Wallsend Library and available to view all throughout the week.

More details of CN’s Youth Week supported events can be viewed on the City of Newcastle website.