Youth Week events
There's a teenage riot sweeping Sydney this fortnight. More than 150 events are sparking across Sydney. Here's Time Out's pick of the pack... and they're all free!
Rap it up at SmART arts
Since 1989, NSW has celebrated the talents, accomplishments and contributions of our young people during Youth Week with a series of performances, exhibitions, festivals, sporting competitions and awards. In Youth Week 2008 – Wednesday 5 to Thursday 13 of April – a record number of events will be held around Sydney, most being centred around the Youth Week slogan: Shout Share Live Unite.
SmART arts
With live music, street performers, workshops and exhibitions happening simultaneously and for free, this flagship event of Youth Week draws huge crowds every year with good reason. Whether you want to get actively involved or just be entertained, there’s plenty on offer: live music from power-pop act Heartbreak Club, tribal-indie music from Guava, and indigenous music-performer MC J.R, plus a whole range of street-theatre and dance acts from groups including Urban Youth Project, The Antoinettes and Nupur. Then there’s the Bollywood Dance (practice your waggle, folks), as well as workshops on stencil art, murals, and a giant origami project. Showcasing painting, sculpture and photography from 25 emerging artists under-30, the best artist of the show will win a two month exhibition at SquareOne Gallery in Ultimo.
When Sat 12 Apr.
Where SmART arts Youth and Cultural Festival. Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, 64 Pine St, Chippendale 2008. (02 9245 1503). 2pm–8pm.
e-Vibes
Since its inception in 2004, this annual event in the Youth Week calendar has been redefining the parameters of inclusivity; so it’s completely free, open to contributions from anyone, anywhere, at any time of the day or night during its four-day run, this e-festival is technology at its best. Focused on promoting discussion of the various issues facing young people in Australia and beyond, every year the virtual dialogue features a line-up of ‘guests’ that range from industry leaders, academics and politicians to successful young people. With three separate streams devoted to political and social issues, lifestyle, and creativity, it’s got all the areas covered, but if you should spot a gap, then get involved and make your thoughts and opinions known.
When Tue 8 Apr–Sat 12 Apr.
Where VibeWire e-Festival of Ideas. (efest@vibewire.com or www.vibewire.net). Free
The Burbs Western Sydney Youth Festival
There are three stages of music ‘battles’ waged here: hip-hop, rock and urban. If you love your sport then you can skateboard, kick a footy (oval and round), shoot hoops or rock climb. There’s also and aerosol art demo and food stalls to fuel the action. Six hours may not be enough!
When Sat 12 Apr, 1pm–7pm
Where Blacktown Olympic Park Athletics Precinct, Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill 2766. (02 9839 6086)
Hype Festival @ The Bridge
Music features heavily at Hype with a local band competition and three stages of tunes, with punk, rock and acoustic. Also skating, soccer, netball and the sure to be a hit Xbox and Playstation chill out room.
When Sat 5 Apr, 11am–6pm
Where Dural Sport & Leisure Centre, Cnr Pelit & Kenthurst Rd, Dural 2158. (02 9843 0149)
XPOZED 4
This youth art exhibition will showcase the work of artists from 12 to 24 who live in the Marrickville local council area. The work will feature a range of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, carving, aerosol art, mosaic, film, postcards and even good old paper-mache.
When Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm, until Friday 11 April
Where Seaview Gallery, Dulwich High School of Visual Arts & Design, Seaview St, Dulwich Hill 2203. (02 9560 7299)
Global Groove
Live music with international influence is the go for this event. The Silverbeats, Ethix, Live Wire and DJ Skeamo will headline. Also catch the Capoeira Academy blending music, martial arts and dance. Make sure that you stick around for the free barbecue as well.
When Thu 10 Apr, 4pm–9pm
Where Memorial Square, Forest Rd, Hurstville 2220. (02 9330 6063)
Revesby Skate Park Launch Party
Grab your board, scooter or BMX and head down to check out the action of the grand opening of this park. Plus, you can make a day of it and enjoy free entertainment including a DJ,
a barbecue and pro-skate demos.
When Tue 8 Apr, 3.30pm–7pm
Where Amour Park, Marco Ave, Revesby 2212. (02 9707 9605 or 02 9707 9641)
Brewhaha Festival
This annual youth festival attracts up to 2,000 local young people from in and around the Inner West. Bring your ears along for the ride, and possibly you’d better bring some plugs for those lugs – there’s a band comp that kicks off the day, followed by a skate comp, food, craft and information stalls, and a huge party atmosphere.
When Sat 12 Apr, from 12midday
Where Darrell Jackson Gardens, Carlton Cres, Summer Hill 2130. (02 9716 1844)
Down the Park 08
Now in its sixth year, this event celebrates youth culture and will feature live music on an outdoor stage, a massive half pipe, and a variety of stalls and give-aways. Byron Bay band 50 Lions are heading this years musical line up alongside Rex Banner, Snakes Among Us, Sniperival and The Julius Set.
When Sat 12 Apr, from 12midday
Where Dunningham Park, Cnr The Kingsway & Elouera Rd, Cronulla 2230. (02 9710 0386)
Mix it Up
This one-day festival features a multitude of events all centred around the talents of local young people. The product of pre-Youth Week workshops in fashion, theatre and hip hop will be proudly displayed through a fashion show (“Recycled Runway”), an African Theatre production, and performances by HH2A (Hip Hop Auburn).
When Sat 12 Apr, from 2pm
Where Auburn Town Hall, 1 Susan St, Auburn 2144. (02 9735 1226)
Sincopatico Youth Jazz Festival
The two-day Sincopatico Youth Jazz Festival showcases the talent of young musos and introduces audiences, young and old, to the jazz and the big band sound.
When Sat 5 & Sun 6 Apr, from 2pm
Where The Italian Forum Cultural Centre, 23 Norton St, Leichhardt 2040. (02 9518 0077)
Bring it On! Fairfield Youth Festival 2008
Bring it on! has a growing reputation as Western Sydney’s premier Youth and community event. In 2008 they’re showcasing gigs by local bands, solo artists and performance competitions for break dancing, freestyling and beat boxing. There’s also a skate board competition plus food, video and multimedia workshops, art workshops, youth art exhibition, car exhibition and a major Australian headline act (to be confirmed).
When Sun 13 Apr, 12midday–7pm
Where Fairfield Showground, Smithfield Rd, Prairiewood 2176. (02 9725 0181)
Visit www.youthweek.nsw.gov.au for further details of these events and information on many others.