Local youth invited to art workshops

30 May 2012

THE local youth cultural scene is set to go from strength to strength through a series of youth workshops organised by Ipswich City Council.

Youth and Seniors Committee Chairperson Councillor Sheila Ireland said the Zines and Creative Do It Yourself arts workshops will be held throughout Ipswich in May and June in pop up locations.

Cr Ireland said that the workshops were a great way to engage the young people of Ipswich.

"Aimed at school aged students and young people from the Ipswich region, the Ipswich Youth Arts Community Zine Project will bring together participants to work together to create a collaborative zine (A5 booklet), focused around the sense of place and community.

"This publication will then be showcased and launched at the opening of the Baptist Church Youth Arts Space in September, 2012.

Cr Ireland said eight workshops would be delivered across the month of May and June on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout shopping centres and local schools.

Pronounced ‘zeen', or, like magazine without the ‘maga' at the front, zines are generally non-commercial and often handmade publications devoted to specialised subject matter.

"Participants will be empowered to express themselves through the creation of these hands on, analogue workshops, using a range of tools such as typewriters and stamp sets, as well as old-fashioned scissors and glue.

Presented by Ipswich City Council, the workshops are being conducted by the creators of Bizoo, a national music and arts zine based in Toowoomba.

Bizoo, which recently brought out its final issue after five years and 25 editions, has been credited with giving young people in Toowoomba an outlet to create, collaborate and connect, while supporting the development of their region.

There will be eight workshops held throughout the Ipswich Region.

Upcoming workshops include:

• Riverlink shopping centre from 3.30 to 8.30pm tomorrow (May 31) and from 10am to 3pm on June 2;
• Rosewood from 3pm to 7pm on June 7 and from 10am to 4pm on June 9 and;
• Orion Town Centre from 3.30pm to 8.30pm on June 14 and from 10am to 3pm on June 16.
  
  All workshops are free and open to young people of all skill levels.

For more information or to book a place at the workshops contact Ipswich City Council Youth Development Officer on 3810 7437 or email KToohey@ipswich.qld.gov.au

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