Last year we held our popular Festival of Student Art exhibition to coincide with it, this year we are pleased to offer two workshop, designed by dLux MediaArts.

The Orange Youth Arts Festival organiser Vince Lovecchio has kindly enlighten us about the festival by answering the following questions.

Where did the idea come from to organise a Youth Arts Festival? What was the motivation that inspired you to embark on such a large undertaking?

My aspiration to create OYAF came three years ago having evolved over time from a lifelong passion to help young people, individuals and their communities flourish and fulfill their potential.

My motivation to embark on such a large undertaking perhaps stems back to 1979, when at the age of 15, I was selected to represent Sydney as part of the International Year of the Child, uncannily titled ‘A Time to Act on Behalf of the Child.

I have through various roles and experiences been mentoring and advocating for children and young people ever since.

My community engagement role at the Canobolas Rural Technology High School has enabled me to form a substantial network of community partnerships. It is through the collective action of these organizations that I have been able to implement and sustain a valuable framework from which to build and promote the festival.

Ever since its inception in 2014 we have seen an exponential increase in diverse, inclusive community participation, from young and old, which is wonderful.  ​

Could you please outline the festival’s main events?

There are too many to mention here, but some of the key events and activities include My Story, Our Stories (project and exhibition); Beat around the Bush - Bush dance the Multicultural Way; dLux Media Arts workshops; Orange City Brass Band Children’s Recital; Interlude - A youth concert for by youth for youth; Open Rehearsals at the ORC, Olympics Day event and Tai Chi in the Park. For a full program and description of events please visit www.orangeyouthartsfestival.com.

What event are you most excited about?

All of them. What excites me most though comes from seeing the transformative outcomes that occur when young people are provided with, support networks and encouragement to develop, thrive and shine in their own individualistic ways. Now that’s empowerment for both the child and the community as a whole.

The gallery is open 10am to 4pm daily. Entry is free. For more information contact 6393 8136 or visit www.org.nsw.gov.au.