Sounds of the Street CD launch

‘Holiday From Yourself’, the latest compilation CD from Mission Australia’s Sounds of the Street (SOTS) studio in Surry Hills, Sydney, will be launched on the afternoon of Friday 11 February – and you’re invited!

Every year the studio releases a CD of original music written and recorded by students of the Sounds of the Street program run through Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI).

This year’s double CD contains 31 songs from the 2010 graduating students and covers a wide range of musical styles. There’s a healthy mix of hip hop, soul and R’n’B plus some cranking heavy rock tunes and two great atmospheric tracks.

‘Holiday From Yourself’ also includes two excellent group tracks - ‘Pretty Grim’ and ‘STFU’ - written in collaboration with Australian hip hop artist Ozi Battla Production. The musicianship is, as always, outstanding.

SOTS students bring a wide range of life experience and skills to the course, with many facing significant life challenges and hardships. One common thread in all these young lives is the passion for creating original and honest music. In this way, music can act as a ‘holiday from yourself’, providing a break from the grind of daily life and offering hope and the chance for positive change in the lives of young people.

‘Holiday from Yourself’ will be officially released at CYI, 19 Denham Street, Surry Hills, at 12.30pm. Copies of the CD will be available at the launch and students will be performing live songs from the CD, backed by a band of local professional musicians. There will also be a free sausage sizzle!

If you are interested in attending please email cyi@missionaustralia.com.au or call Terry on (02) 9356 8897. Your RSVP is important as it will help the SOTS team to plan catering.

Many thanks to Albert Music, the major supporter of SOTS. Also thanks to the other supporters of CYI - Australian Stockbrokers Foundation, Sir David Martin Foundation and Gwynvill Group.

CYI graduates reveal their talents at exhibition

Graduates of Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives last night revealed a year’s worth of artistic creations at their end-of-year exhibition.

Held at The Muse Gallery in NSW TAFE – Sydney Institute and titled ‘Serendipitous Illusions’, for Artworks! program students like Hayley, the exhibition was the first real opportunity to display their work to family and friends.

Standing before a packed roomful of guests, including her supportive CYI tutors, Jane Gillings and Irene Traucki, Hayley made a poignant speech about her journey over the past year. She explained how the course transformed her from thinking of herself as a “failure” to someone with self-belief and direction:

“What you see on the walls tonight is simply a physical representation of this year’s hard work... The things I am most proud of achieving are the invisible changes,” she said.

“The changes to my outlook on life, my attitude towards my family, my interactions with my friends and my plans for the future.” (You can read Hayley’s full speech here).

Hayley received the award for being the Most Improved Student. Also recognised were Amber-Rose, who received the Encouragement Award, and Brian, who was presented with the Commitment Award for his remarkable enthusiasm.

All three awards were generously sponsored by Vodafone, long-time supporters of CYI. Volunteers from Vodafone also manned the sales desk where guests purchased students’ artworks and received arriving guests.

Rebecca, Jessica and Hayley, also received Sir David Martin Foundation scholarships for the provision of educational resources, while Claire and Milan were recognised with $100 art supply certificates from Oxford Art Factory.

Among those congratulating the students were Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall and NSW State Director Leonie Green, as well Director of TAFE NSW Sydney Institute, David Riordan, who presented students with their graduation certificate.

Distinguished artist Leo Robba was also among the Artworks! guests. Leo was the ambassador of the recent American Express Festival of Potential at Darling Harbour, which encouraged members of the public to paint a small canvas. For each completed painting, American Express gave $25 to Mission Australia youth services – resulting in a $50,000 donation to CYI.

The Festival of Potential paintings were all photographed, with the images used to create an interactive, digital heart collage that went on display last night.

Many thanks to American Express, Vodafone, Sir David Martin Foundation, The Raymond E Purves Foundation, Sir David Martin Foundation, Australian Stockbrokers Foundation, Gwynvill Group and Ansvar Insurance.

Mission Australia wishes all of the CYI graduates the very best for 2011 and beyond.

The CYI ‘Serendipitous Illusions’ exhibition runs at The Muse Gallery, 695-731 Harris Street Ultimo, until the afternoon of Friday 10 December. Visit for inspiring art, Christmas gifts with heart (works are for sale) and to view the Festival of Potential digital collage.

Above photo from left: Artist and Festival of Potential Ambassador Leo Robba and CYI graduate Jessica at the Artworks! launch.

Media Release: Free Family Event to Unlock People’s Untapped Potential

The American Express Festival of Potential at Darling Harbour

29 November 2010 - On Friday 3 and Saturday 4 December, between 8am and 8pm, Darling Harbour’s Palm Grove will come alive with energy and laughter as Sydneysiders are invited to explore their potential and help disadvantaged young people at the American Express Festival of Potential.

Young and old are invited to come on down and learn a new skill at the Festival, such as learning to dance like a Hip-Hop star with The Sydney Dance Company, clown around with the Sydney Trapeze School, take part in a world drumming workshop with Drum Beats or unleash their inner artist by painting and sketching at workshops hosted by professional artists from the Mind Gallery.

Pieces of art created by the public will be turned into a communal piece of art titled: ‘heART of Potential’, which will grow and adapt as the public make their creative contributions. American Express has enlisted the help of acclaimed artist Leo Robba to oversee the work. For every person who makes an artistic contribution to the ‘heART of Potential’, American Express will donate $25 (up to a maximum of $50,000) to Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives, (CYI) service, which offers marginalised young people the opportunity to express themselves, build self esteem and gain professional qualifications through art and music.

Those unable to attend the Festival can still participate by logging on to Facebook - www.facebook.com/americanepressaustralia and posting a photo, image or video, which will be incorporated in a digital version of the ‘heART of Potential’.

The ‘heART of Potential’ will be exhibited as a digital 3D animated artwork at Mission Australia’s ARTWORKS! from 7-10 December at The Muse, 695-731 Harris Street, Ultimo. The exhibition features artwork in a range of mediums from painting and sculpture to photography by graduating CYI students.

Corrina Davison, Vice President of Brand, Loyalty and Rewards at American Express said, “After the success of last year’s Festival, we are delighted to be helping Sydneysiders unlock their potential and raising money to help Mission Australia continue to reach people through their Creative Youth Initiatives. This year is set to be even bigger and better with something for everyone, whatever your passion might be.”

Mission Australia Operation Manager for Youth Services Evelyne Tadros said, “Through our partnership with American Express we hope to raise as much money as possible to help young people who are disadvantaged to fulfil their potential through creative outlets such as music and art. Why not come down, have some fun and raise money for a very worthwhile cause.”

• WHAT: American Express Festival of Potential
• WHEN: Friday 3 and Saturday 4 December, 2010
• WHERE: Palm Grove, Darling Harbour
• TIME: 8am-8pm
• COST: Free
• WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/americanexpressaustralia

For more information please contact:
Lara Wilson:  lara@zing.net.au, 0450 846 805 or Trisha Routledge: trisha@zing.net.au, 0416 981 280


Available for interview in the lead up to the event:

• Leo Robba: Festival of Potential ambassador and artist
• Evelyne Tadros: Mission Australia, NSW Operations Managers
• Corrina Davidson: VP of Brand Loyalty and Rewards, American Express

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

Connect with us on www.facebook.com/americanexpress, www.twitter.com/americanexpress and www.youtube.com/americanexpress.

American Express and Mission Australia help young people reach their potential

Mission Australia is once again partnering with American Express to present the Festival of Potential, a celebration that is designed to encourage people to explore their creative potential while raising money for Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives.

This free outdoor event at the Palm Grove, in Sydney’s Darling Harbour all day on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 December, encourages people to pick up a brush and put paint to canvas. Professional artists and CYI students will be there to guide participants and for every canvas painted, American Express will donate $25 to Mission Australia (up to $50,000).

Each painting will then be photographed to be part of a digital collage in the shape of a heart – representing Mission Australia’s logo and public generosity. This communal artwork will be unveiled on a big screen at the 7 December opening of Artworks!, the annual exhibition of work by Creative Youth Initiatives students. This year’s exhibition, ‘Serendipitous Illusions’, runs at The Muse Gallery, 695-731 Harris St, Ultimo, until Friday 10 December at 1pm.

Find out more about the Festival of Potential at facebook.com/americanexpressaustralia or visit missionaustralia.com.au/festivalofpotential

To view the Festival of Potential flyer click the image below...

Creative Youth Initiatives: Staff discuss art and music programs in new video

Jane and Liz from Mission Australia's Creative Youth Initiatives have recently been interviewed about about how art and music tuition can inspire and build confidence with young clients.

Established in 1993, Sydney's Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI), is a unique service that provides free creative programs for young people aged 16 - 25 who are facing many and varied challenges in their lives, such as homelessness, mental health issues or family breakdown.



The programs develop their creativity through visual arts and music as well their self expression, esteem, communication skills and provide positive learning experiences and educational qualifications.

View Creative Youth Initiatives or any other Mission Australia video at our Youtube channel: youtube.com/missionaust

Sydney youth service to host Winter Sleepout - with a creative edge

Mission Australia's Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) team are getting prepared for their inaugural 'Art-and-Music-athon', a 15-hour creative drive hosted at their headquarters in Sydney's Surry Hills.

The event is set to kick off at 6pm, Thursday 22nd July, to run through the night to 9am the following day.

CYI's creative team will perform at the event and are each fundraising through CYI's Everyday Hero page to help achieve the fundraising target of $4000.  Supporters contribute to the event by making a donation to individual team members.

The 'Art-and-Music-athon' is a fundraiser for the Winter Sleepout appeal, which in turn strengthens ground-level services such as CYI, or neighbouring services Mission Australia Centre or Missionbeat.

CYI Service Manager, Irene Drivilas, is getting excited about hosting the new event in the wake of the successful album launch of Still Spinning.

"The night will be a buzz of creative inspiration as participants add their expressive flavour and style to musical and artistic activities, games, teasers, energisers and dares; all under the direction of the dynamic CYI team."

With the challenge run overnight, participants will be aided by regular breaks, ‘Down Time' rooms, and food & beverages.

Check out the event site for details, all are welcome!  www.everydayhero.com.au/creative_youth_initiatives 

Australians unleash their creative potential and raise funds for Creative Youth Initiatives

Keep an eye out for a feature in today’s Weekend Australian Magazine on the recent American Express Festival of Potential, which raised a donation of $75,000 to support Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI).

The Festival of Potential events in Sydney and Melbourne encouraged participants to try something new and explore their creative potential with a team of inspiring artists, musicians and circus performers.

For those keen to try their hand at painting, American Express provided an extra incentive - by donating $25 to CYI for each canvas painted.  The $75,000 raised would sufficiently cover the costs of an art or music tutor for more than a year at the program.

“Through the enthusiasm of the community and the generosity of American Express we will be able to transform lives with this incredible donation,” says Mission Australia spokesperson Paul Andrews.

“Thank you to everyone who took part” said Paul.

• To read today's feature story, pick up a copy of today's Weekend Australian.
• To view a video from Sydney's Festival of Potential, and for more event details click here

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Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives

Creative Youth Initiatives, located in Sydney, provides free creative programs for young people aged 16 - 25 who are facing many and varied challenges in their lives, whether it’s homelessness and mental illness or family breakdown.

With support from musicians, artists and social workers, students are assisted in developing a broad range of skills and are encouraged to use creativity as an outlet for the issues they are facing in their lives.

The two most significant programs are Artworks! and Sounds of the Street.

Further Reading:

• Past CYI news
• CYI Artworks - program information
• CYI Sounds of the Street - program information

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From rockers to hip-hoppers: Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) celebrates the launch of Still Spinning

Great music, great food, great weather – a perfect combination for Creative Youth Initiatives’ Youth Week event to mark the launch of their new album Still Spinning.

The compilation album is the 20th release from CYI’s Sounds of the Street (SOTS), showcasing music from the program’s 17 year history.

Over 210 people attended the event on Wednesday, which paid tribute to the grass roots beginnings of SOTS, and insight into the future direction of the service.

Mission Australia Centre’s garage was converted into a funky performance space for the event, with a professional stage and PA system, while the generous staff from Albert Music held a BBQ for guests.

Past and present students performed original music throughout the day, with MC duties handled by one of Australia’s most popular hip hop artists, Ozi Batla, front man for The Herd and part of the Elefant Traks crew.

Mission Australia’s NSW State Director of Community Services, Leonie Green, opened the event citing the dedication of the CYI team, and announced the launch of the Regeneration program, which will look at a new sustainable model for CYI.

Mission Australia’s Executive Leader of Community Services, Lincoln Hopper, shared his thoughts about working on the front line over the past 18 years, and how CYI has left an enduring influence on the young people it has helped to transform.

CYI founder Phill Nunn detailed how in 1993, while working with young homeless people in Kings Cross, he realised the potential for music to be a powerful tool for young people to express themselves, ultimately leading to CYI’s conception.

CYI’s talented music tutors Liz Martin and Michael Hanlon shared their initial expectations of the program, their thoughts and student outcomes, while the student performers provided a raw and heartfelt snapshot into their experiences.

The carving of a marvellous cake in the shape of a vinyl record player marked the end of an exhilarating day.

17 years on and 20 albums later, SOTS is still spinning. CYI has matured into a innovative, relevant and unique service for young people at risk.

Acting Service Manager of CYI, Irene Drivilas, reflects on SOTS: “life is an ongoing process of change, as it is with CYI which will keep spinning - continuing to creatively grow and flourish”.

Creative Youth Initiatives to launch their 20th album

Tomorrow Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) are set to launch their latest album Still Spinning - the 20th album release since the service commenced some 17 years ago.

Still Spinning features a group of very inspiring young entertainers, who will be performing the music from the album at tomorrow's event.

Irene Drivilas, the CYI Acting Service Manager, said the music is "challenging, highly original and ultimately uplifting."

Watch this space tomorrow for news and photos from the launch.

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CYI's core program Sounds of the Street (SOTS) is a 20 week TAFE accredited music course.

Students learn to compose, perform and record their own music. In addition, they also have the opportunity to learn an instrument and students perform at each annual launch.

At the end of the program the students’ music is professionally mixed and mastered onto a CD. For a copy of a past album please email editor@missionaustralia.com.au

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American Express Festival of Potential to again support Mission Australia's Creative Youth Initiatives

Disadvantaged and marginalised young people taking part in Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) will receive a boost this week thanks to the American Express Festival of Potential.

After the success of the Sydney Festival, American Express has taken the Festival to Melbourne, with activities scheduled for 19 and 20 March at O’Donnell Gardens, St Kilda.

This free outdoor event encourages Melburnians to try something new and explore their creative potential with a team of inspiring artists.

You can paint a canvas under the guidance of a professional artist, take part in drumming sessions with TaikOz or learn plate spinning and juggling from the team at the National Institute of Circus Arts.

And for the every canvas painted, American Express will donate $25 to CYI (up to a maximum of 1,000 canvases).

CYI is targeted at young people aged 16-25 years of age facing many and varied challenges in their lives from homelessness to family breakdown. It includes art and music programs to help build the young people’s self esteem, improve their communication skills and it provides a positive learning experience.

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Learn more about Festival of Potential at
www.mycreative
potential.com

Further Reading:

• Past CYI news
• CYI Artworks - program information
• CYI Sounds of the Street - program information
  

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Media Release: Head Game: new Sounds of the Street Album

There’s everything from hip hop tirades to sweet lament amongst the eclectic tracks on the new Sounds of Street double-album, Head Game, out this week, which features the work of 18 young musicians and song writers confronted by issues from homelessness, to mental illness, abuse and addiction.

Head Game was launched at an all-ages concert at FraserStudios, Chippendale last Friday, with MC Mr Percival and live performances from the musicians featured on the album.

All the musicians on Head Game are graduates of the Sounds of the Street course at Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) – a service that aims to support 16 to 25 year olds facing many and varied challenges in their personal lives to build self esteem and communication skills, offer them positive learning experiences and provide opportunities to gain formal music qualifications.

Students are tutored by professional musicians during the intensive six month TAFE accredited program before they record the tracks in the recording studio at CYI.

“These young people may be dealing with a few life issues but they get it all out via music - perhaps it's a hip hop tirade on the injustices of life as a young person dealing with substance abuse, or a sweetly sung lament on loves lost and remembered, or a billowing gothic industrial epic on what it's like to really live on the streets,” said Michael Hanlon, one of the course Coordinators and musicians who contributed to the album.

“Head Game doesn't hold back and nor should it. It’s a snapshot of the young and struggling but at its heart it’s a glorious and uplifting album.”

One of the students, Angie, who got involved in Sounds of the Street when she was suffering from depression and anxiety after a family breakdown said she could barely describe how much the program meant to her.

“Being here has given me back happiness in my life – CYI has kept us all from falling further into an awful place and has made us see that we do have good things to look forward to and that we can have a happy life,” said Angie.

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Advance copies of Head Game are available from Creative Youth Initiatives.  Phone 02 9356 8897 or email cyi@missionaustralia.com.au.

Media contact: Patrick Flynn, (02) 9641 5031 or 0407 411 256

Further reading:

• Past CYI news
• CYI Sounds of the Street - program information

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American Express and Mission Australia join forces to help young people reach their potential

Disadvantaged and marginalised young people taking part in Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) will receive a boost this week through the American Express Festival of Potential from 3-5 December.

During the festival, Sydnesiders are being invited to come down to Pyrmont Bridge to paint a canvas under the guidance of a professional artist or take part in drumming sessions with TaikOz and Sydney Percussion.

For every canvas painted, CYI will receive $50 (up to a maximum of 1,000 canvases). All the canvases collected will become part of a community art project in 2010.

CYI is targeted at young people aged 16-25 years of age facing many and varied challenges in their lives from homelessness to family breakdown. It includes art and music programs to help build the young people’s self esteem, improve their communication skills and it provides a positive learning experience.

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Amex's Festival of Potential

• Learn more at our website 

Learn more about CYI's youth programs:

• Past CYI news
• Artworks! Exhibition Invitation - Tues 8 Dec 
• CYI Artworks - upcoming exhibition and program information
  
• CYI Sounds of the Street - program information
  

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Creative Youth Initiatives' annual ARTWORKS! exhibition coming up

Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) will be holding their annual ARTWORKS! exhibition from Tuesday 8th December - Friday 11th December at “The Muse”, TAFE Ultimo, 695 - 731 Harris Street, Ultimo.

CYI is a unique service for young people, aged 16 - 25 years who are facing many and varied challenges in their lives, such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, family breakdown and unemployment. CYI programs develop creativity through visual arts and music, as well as improving self expression and self esteem. Students progress at their own pace in a safe, non-judgmental and supported environment.

The exhibition is the culmination of many months of work by ARTWORKS! students, who have all been busy exploring different mediums of art such as concertina books, making masks from recycled cardboard, monotone paintings, papier-mâché sculptures, creating images using text, calico stuffed sculpture animals and continuous line drawings.


Come along and bring your wallet as you are sure to find something you will want to take home with you, maybe a Christmas gift for yourself or a friend! 

The gallery is open at “The Muse”, TAFE Ultimo, 695 - 731 Harris Street, Ultimo, from 9.30am to 4.00pm from Wednesday 9th - Friday 11th December, with the opening night on Tuesday 8th December.