Victoria is preparing to showcase its vibrant and diverse youth arts sector.

The Victorian Youth Arts Market, otherwise known as VYAM, will reveal the quality of emerging and established artists in this state, who collaborate with children and young people. Presented by Young People and the Arts Australia, VYAM will provide a snapshot of creative projects that engage children and young people in the arts across Victoria.

Young People and the Arts Australia is the national peak body for organisations and practitioners that engage
children and young people in the arts. The Youth Arts Market is one that has successfully showcased in both New South Wales and Queensland - and now it's Victoria's turn.

YPAA first started the Youth Arts Market in response to the lack of opportunities for the youth arts sector to represent themselves at performing arts markets and national showcases. It has now grown into a celebrated and much anticipated event, with arts and non-arts organisations invited to attend this FREE event, over 5 days at The Arts Centre and City of Melbourne venues ArtPlay and SIGNAL.

Peter Batchelor, Minster for the Arts, Victorian said VYAM is a unique opportunity to showcase the power of creativity in the lives of children, young people, their families and communities, as well as invest in them as audiences.

“Regardless of your age, background or life experience, the arts have the power to inspire, to capture our imaginations and to encourage us to think outside the square. From major institutions to independent acts, Victoria has a strong youth arts sector.

“The Victorian Youth Arts Market is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the many ways that our artists and organisations are working with young people, providing vital skills development opportunities and investing in our artists and audiences of the future.”
Peter Bachelor, Minister for the Arts, Victoria.

It is a great opportunity to promote the impressive artists who live and work across Victoria and choose to collaborate with young artists. YPAA Executive Director Lenine Bourke said that this is a fantastic event that values children and young people, and allows arts practitioners to network and see each other’s product at the one event.

“This project has been instrumental in NSW and QLD in networking artists, providing much needed professional development and acts as a one stop shop to check out how the arts can really engage children and young people in sharing their ideas with their communities”.
YPAA Executive Director, Lenine Bourke.

VYAM will feature prominent national industry leaders, as well as new up-and-coming organisations over the five days from 12 to 16 November 2010.

It will consist of:
• a full day of organisations showcasing new and existing work in presentations and performance exerts
• four professional development presentations
• a full day pARTicipation forum
• organised networking opportunities
• a program specifically for young and emerging artists

VYAM will be held in central Melbourne at The Arts Centre, Melbourne, and the City of Melbourne through SIGNAL and ArtPlay. VYAM is proudly sponsored by these partners, as well as Arts Victoria and The Australia Council for the Arts.

Entry to the Victorian Youth Arts Market is FREE.

To register for a program, please email YPAA

Event details
What: Victorian Youth Arts Market
When: 12-16 November 2010
Where: The Arts Centre, Melbourne + Signal & Artplay, The City of Melbourne
Cost: FREE.

Tickets:  Register for your tickets online, unless otherwise indicated, at

                RSVP to events is vital.
                Many events at QLD Youth Arts Market were at full capacity last year.
                Book now to avoid disappointment.

Audience: Arts Organisations, Festivals, Venues, Buyers, Government, Philanthropists, Teachers,
Non-arts organisations, Young & Emerging Artists, Students, Families and Children.

Contact: YPAA Email or phone 07-3254-0553

Young People and the Arts Australia (YPAA) is the national peak body for organisations and practitioners engaging children and young people in the arts. YPAA activates, promotes and sustainably develops the youth arts sector nationally. YPAA provides services that assist, influence and develop opportunities to increase arts experiences for children and young people. YPAA is the chief advocate for children and
young people’s rights to access arts and culture in Australia.

For further information about YPAA and the Youth Arts Market, refer to www.ypaa.net (currently under construction)

Vic Youth Arts Market Sponsors:

• VYAM is proudly supported by ArtPlay
• VYAM is proudly supported by SIGNAL
• VYAM is proudly supported by the City of Melbourne
• VYAM is proudly supported by The Arts Centre, Melbourne
• VYAM is proudly supported by Arts Victoria

VYAM is proudly presented by Young People and the ArtsAustralia, ASSITEJ Australia Inc

Young People and the Arts Australia is supported by The Australia Council for the Arts, its funding body.