Applications have opened for the Gillard Government’s new Creative Young Stars program, open to students and young people who wish to pursue their dreams in the creative arts.

The Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, said $23,500 will be available in his electorate for young people to develop their talents by taking part in creative, cultural, academic and community activities.

The $8 million Creative Young Stars program is a key feature of Creative Australia, the Australian Government’s national cultural policy. The program will invest $23,500 per financial year in each electorate, with the first funding round opening this week.

The program will deliver grants of $500 for individuals and $3000 for groups of six or more. It is open to people aged 25 and under.

“Maribyrnong and Melbourne’s West is full of young people with enormous talent. Many of them could do with some extra support to develop their abilities.

“It’s well known to those involved in the creative and performing arts that they often make do with little support. But the Gillard Government recognises that artists can and do make a terrific contribution to the cultural life of local communities and the nation as a whole.

“In some cases the families of these talented young people find it difficult to meet the extra costs associated with participating in activities, events and training.

“The Australian Government is determined to help young Australians reach their potential in all walks of life, be that at school, be that at finding a job, or be that in areas such as the arts, community service and leadership, or academia,” Mr Shorten said.

“That’s why we are complementing our record investments and improvements in areas such as school education with a $23,500 investment each financial year to help young people in Maribyrnong to develop their potential in areas that go beyond the classroom.

“These grants will help young people further develop their creative talents by helping them take part in competitions, eisteddfods, public speaking tournaments and other cultural, artistic or academic events.

“I strongly encourage students and young people, their parents and carers in Maribyrnong to apply for a Creative Young Stars grant,” Mr Shorten said.

In Round 1, the program will deliver grants to 12 individuals and two groups in each of the 150 Federal Electorates across Australia.

For more information on the Creative Young Stars program visit www.youth.gov.au/sites/youth/news/pages/creative-young-stars

ENDS

 Contact: Jayne Edwards 9326 1300 / 0410 455 737 [email protected]