Arts Advisory Panel

It’s not very often that young people get access to a huge organisation, let alone the chance to curate a whole year’s worth of events, but that’s just what being on the Arts Advisory Panel at Courthouse ARTS is all about.
This will be the program’s third year, which has produced such events as the New Year’s Revolution [now NYR], the New Wilderness, various arts workshops, the Geelong Fringe Festival and more. As an organisation, Courthouse ARTS is there to nurture and educate emerging artists whilst creating a place for young people’s voices to be heard.
This time last year, past AAP member Soraya Mobayad jumped at the opportunity, realising that it wasn’t a position that came up every day.
“When I heard about an opportunity to be involved in creating, planning and running arts events I immediately signed up to find out more,” she says. “I saw it as an incredible opportunity and one that doesn’t just fall into your lap so easily.”
Previous AAP members have reached each corner of the arts world, with graphic designers, playwrights and musicians being among the many who have helped to create such wonderful events. And these events are by no means confined to the walls of the iconic Courthouse ARTS building. The organisation has paired up with other groups to present amazing events like the Blokes Day Out, Pako Festa and various others.

The opportunity is really about taking it as far as your mind will let you, with the greatest reward getting to see your own idea come to fruition and the trust put in you to deliver it.
“Being given so much trust as a young person within an organisation is rare,” Soraya says.
As an artist, Soraya sought joy in creating visual events where everyone could get involved. She looked back on the New Wilderness as her favourite event from the year, in which she played a pivotal role in creating.
“Enabling others to create brings me joy, and the absolutely ethereal and sublime experiences we had working together and taking part in the festival workshops was utterly rewarding,” Soraya says.
The AAP experience isn’t just about creating some fun events for you and your friends. It also gives you life-long skills that will come in handy when you enter the big bad world and life gets serious.
Possibly the biggest thing Soraya learnt from her time with Courthouse ARTS is the mammoth amount that she was capable of achieving.
“I have been surprised by what I am able to do when I have committed to a project. I have learnt that you have to ask for what you want and go and get it, because nobody is going to simply hand it to you,” she says.
“What you gain directly correlates to what you give and how much you are willing to compromise with others.”
Courthouse ARTS is looking for a new bunch of young creatives to join their team. So if you’re under 26 and have some great ideas and want to take part in an amazing opportunity, email Chelsea at [email protected] for more information.
Written by Amanda Sherring. Photos by Daniel Longo