Horizons is a creative industry mentoring and career development program for NSW regional youth. The project will rAn over 18 months and supported a total of 75 young people from across NSW
Horizons was a state-wide regional project organized by the Regional Arts Network, designed to provide direct, intensive support to young people in the North West who were interested in pursuing a career in the creative industries. The project aimed to offer participants new pathways to explore work and study opportunities in the creative fields.
Young people were connected with experienced mentors from their chosen field who were based in regional NSW. Each mentoring relationship was tailored to address the unique needs and interests of the individuals, enabling them to connect with a network of peers and build strong state-wide connections early in their careers.
At the conclusion of the project, plans were made to share the experiences of the participants and mentors, highlighting the diverse range of creative practices and industries represented. The goal was to showcase the opportunities available to regional young people in the dynamic and evolving creative industries. The form of this ‘showcase’ was developed in partnership with the participants throughout the program.
Arts North West was pleased to announce the selection of five successful mentee participants from the New England North West as part of the Horizons program: Jack Fuller (Narrabri), Sophie Rogers (Pallamallawa), Matilda Morse (Armidale), Belle Meyer (Armidale), and Thomas Burnett (Armidale). These creative individuals were paired with industry mentors for the duration of the seven-month program, which began in March 2024.
Horizons program music mentees traveled from across the state to meetup in Sydney, meeting each other and their mentor Vendulka Wichta in person for the first time!
Having only met online until this point, the young musicians caught up over breakfast, sharing their music tastes and experiences before making their way to Tilt Recording Studio where they were guided by Vendulka and Tilt Recording Studio Producer Jordan Leonard to write and record a song in just one day in a professional and encouraging environment.
The participants supported each other throughout the process and each contributed to a fantastic track that they titled 'Black Sheep'. We can't wait to listen to the final piece!
Horizons - Creative Industries Career Launchpad is funded by the Regional Youth Incentive Program of the Office of Regional Youth and the NSW Regional Arts Network.