Crewative Arts Connect building confidence through creativity
Young people in Chigwell have been finding connection, confidence and creative expression through Crewative Arts Connect, a free arts program delivered at Bucaan Community House and supported by the Tasmanian Community Fund.
Designed for young people aged 10 to 16, the program runs each school term and provides hands on workshops in a wide range of creative mediums including spray painting, digital art, animation, tie dye, screen printing, stencil art and puppet making.
By offering the program free of charge, Crewative Arts Connect removes financial barriers that can prevent young people from accessing creative opportunities and educational enrichment outside of school.
Workshop facilitator Grace Chia said the program is built around the belief that everyone can enjoy and learn from art.
“We focus on the idea that no one is bad at art,” she said.
“This program is about building confidence and creating safe environments for young people to express themselves and meet others.
“Each term runs as a 10 week program, with new participants welcomed each cycle.”
Ms Chia said while many young people began feeling shy or anxious, their transformation over the term was remarkable.
“In the first week kids can be a bit shy, but by the end everyone is comfortable, they have come out of their shell and often discovered a new interest or built on one they already had,” she said.
Ms Chia recalled one participant who arrived struggling with bullying and anxiety.
“To see him find friends, a community in the arts and a place where his creativity was celebrated was incredible,” she said.
“We saw his confidence grow and he really came out of his shell.”
Accessible visual arts programs are limited in the area, making Crewative Arts Connect an important pathway for young people who may not otherwise engage in structured learning opportunities outside of school.
“These are really formative years for young people,” Ms Chia said.
“Having a safe place where they can work things out, learn from each other and build skills can have a lasting impact.”
Young artists are invited to submit their work for the free, family-friendly Crewative Heroes Youth Art Exhibition on April 22nd from 2–4pm at Bucaan Community House, themed “Who’s Your Hero?”.
All skill levels are welcome, with prizes for Creativity, Artistic Skill, and People’s Choice, and artworks must be dropped off by April 10th.