Gold Coast youth involved in the Youth Music Venture program will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to the world, joining the line-up of national and international artists performing at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in April.
The voluntary organisation – now in its 9th year – will see four lots of performers doing two sets each in the Athletes Village as well as two performances on the Queensland Music Stage in Broadbeach, as part of Festival 2018.
Using music as the vehicle, the Youth Music Venture aims to provide creative support, break negative cycles and empower youth aged 11 – 18 to make their own difference within the community.
Youth Music Venture Founder and President, Ian Grace, said he was thrilled to see local youth given the opportunity to perform at the historical event.
“Our youth have worked so hard to get to this point and to perform on a world class stage is not only a once in a lifetime opportunity but a dream come true for them,” said Mr Grace.
“Since its inception in 2010, the volunteer run Youth Music Venture has seen more than 250 young people come through the program, using the power of music to inspire them to build their self esteem and overcome the challenges of young lives,” he said.
Mark Peters, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) CEO said the Youth Music Venture continues to go from strength to strength each year and he is honoured to have them participating in the Games.
“After many meetings and our Festival 2018 team attending the Youth Music Venture auditions in 2017 and their year-end concert, we had no doubts we wanted the Youth Music Venture included in our program,” said Mr Peters.
“With the Youth Music Venture program now spread across the coast, they are truly representative of youth and music here and we see further expansion of this amazing voluntary program that has already done so much for Gold Coast youth as a great GC2018 legacy,” he said.
Long-term Youth Music Venture mentors include the likes of Michael McCartney, drummer for the Grammy award-winning international band Wolfmother at the AC/DC concert in Brisbane in 2010 and Dean Fuller, who has performed with international artists such as Tom Jones and Suzi Quatro, who provide their guidance, expertise and support to the young budding musicians for free.
For more details about the Youth Music Venture and this year’s program, visit the website at www.youthmusicventure.com.au
