NOISE, the national youth arts initiative, has relaunched as a 24/7, year-round project with new funding from the Australian Government.

Previously a month-long festival, NOISE now profiles artists aged between 12 and 25 all year long, as they submit artwork for exhibition and distribution on television, radio, in print and online to a broad audience across Australia and internationally. Young artists and their new work will be celebrated across the media through a program of opportunities and a series of media events that will coincide with key NOISE projects during 2005 and throughout the course of the initiative.

New NOISE projects in Singapore and north-west England will provide the first opportunity for artists from overseas to participate in NOISE and also for Australian young artists to present work internationally. NOISE Australia has built partnerships with arts organisations and artists in these regions, expanding the reach of young Australian talent across different cultures and markets.

‘NOISE provides a showcase of young Australians’ creativity,’ said Senator Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport.

‘The Australian Government is committed to developing the creativity of our young Australians. This is evident through the support of three media-based youth arts and culture festivals: LOUD and NOISE in 2001 and 2003, and now our new investment of $5 million over four years for NOISE 2005 to 2008.’

Jennifer Bott, Chief Executive Officer of the Australia Council for the Arts, said NOISE is unsurpassed as a national youth event for its participation by young people, extensive partnerships and audience reach.

‘It is a purpose-built opportunity for the four million Australians aged between 12 and 25 to share their artistic endeavours with a national audience of more than 15 million-and now the world!’ she added.

One of the first NOISE projects to launch is the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA). SOYA offers young Australian artists the chance to win $10,000 in cash and flights, plus mentorships with industry experts. Submissions for SOYA must be received by 31 August 2005.

Other projects showcasing the talents of young artists will involve NOISE partners, including: Triple J, ABC, Channel [V], The National Gallery of Australia, The National Museum of Australia, Australians INFRONT plus a host of magazines including IdN, Chik, Black + White, Cyclic Defrost, Frankie and many more.