Unlocking Potential: The Imperative of Cultivating Creativity in Rural Youth

As I embark on my train journey to the Fairfax Youth Festival in Swan Hill, memories of my own teenage years in regional and rural Australia come rushing back. Growing up in regional Australia in the 1990s, what defined my teenage years was the burning desire to escape the monotony of everyday life – and that sense that I was the oddball, the outcast and that I was stuck.

What changed my life was creative opportunities, much similar to the Fairfax Youth Festival. Projects, experiences, and creative adults opened my eyes to new possibilities. They set me on a path I could never have imagined as a teenager. This journey led me across radio, TV, theatre, festivals, and beyond, from regional Australia to destinations around the world.

That is why I “pay it forward” and continue to work with young people in rural and regional Australia. Because I have that profound sense that there are other young people out there who deserve the same spark, the same opportunity of a door opening to a new possibility.

The Fairfax Youth Festival Chronicles

The Fairfax Youth Festival, now a 27-year-old tradition in Swan Hill, nestled in the heart of the Murray Mallee, stands tall as a testament to the power of creativity and its earth-shattering ability to open the perspectives and amplify the voices of young people. This festival annually unites rural teenagers and often small schools from across the Mallee region alongside guest professional artists and practitioners invited to join the program as mentors. Through youth-generated performance work, workshops, and community activations, it's not just a festival; it's a tornado of transformation. It's a creative expedition that plants sequoias of inspiration and ambition in the hearts of young people, nurturing their artistic and creative potential.

As I'm hurtling towards Swan Hill today, in my role as “Artistic Director,” which really means mentoring and guiding the youth associates and the dream team responsible for the Fairfax Youth Festival, I want to pause for a moment and shine a supernova spotlight on the critical role of creativity in the lives of young people, especially those in the remote corners of Australia.

Creativity and Education: Shaking Hands with Tomorrow

Our education system, a relic from the 18th century, was designed for a world where success meant clocking in for someone else. But today's world dances to a different tune. In this digital age, where new careers sprout like mushrooms after rain, our young minds must pirouette, adapt, and think beyond the ordinary. This is where creativity takes centre stage.

Traditional education systems often resemble a parrot reciting facts. As a kid growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, my brain could never thrive in such a straitjacket.

On the other hand, creativity lights up the frontal cortex, making memory, critical thinking, and knowledge retention perform a dazzling tango. When we juggle different parts of our brains simultaneously, we foster growth and evolution.

Why is this vital? Young rural Australians must be global visionaries. They need the tools to navigate an ever-changing world. They stand at the crossroads of an extraordinary era – the last generation with the power to slow down the climate crisis and the front-row seat to the information revolution. The old dogma that "creative and intelligent youth must flee rural Australia" must be squashed.

There's a path and a purpose to retain our brightest stars in rural Australia. However, it's a painful truth that small schools and communities often lack the resources to provide opportunities and experiences for young minds. Creative arts should not be an optional add-on for principals balancing tight budgets and stretched resources.

Instead, creative opportunity and creative leadership should be the main event when we think about young people in rural Australia.

Creativity through performing arts, songwriting, and music isn't some sideshow; it's the main event. It offers a fun, imaginative route to explore young minds, bridging the gap between logic and fantasy. It helps them retain knowledge, think clearly, and express themselves effectively. It should be seen as a cornerstone, a foundational brick for sculpting strong, ambitious individuals, communities, and economies.

The Profound Impact of Creativity - Cultivating Rural Brilliance

So this is what I fundamentally believe - creativity isn't a mere luxury; it's the lifeblood of rural Australia's future, especially for its young population. The Fairfax Youth Festival stands as a testament to this truth.

But another painful truth I have encountered repeatedly is that in these vast landscapes, young people often go unnoticed, their talents overlooked, or (more often than not) underutilized. So, this is why I’m proud that the Fairfax Youth Festival acts as a stage where these hidden stars can shine. It provides a platform for rural teenagers to unearth and nurture their artistic abilities.

Rural communities naturally thrive on connections and solidarity, and this narrative is well understood in our national discourse. But after twenty years of working in many rural and regional communities and leading projects like the ABC’s Heywire project, the AgriFutures Horizon Scholar project, and many others - what I believe is that creativity is the under-celebrated and under-recognized “secret sauce” of rural communities. It knits communities closer together, and it’s everywhere. I see creativity in all facets of rural Australia, in local economies, in rural health, in agriculture. I see people who would never use the word “creative” to describe themselves, yet they are. The Fairfax Festival is not just an event; it's a communal celebration that brings everyone closer, bridging generations and fostering a sense of belonging.

In the challenging terrain of rural Australia, resilience is key. Creative activities empower young minds to adapt, learn from failures, and emerge stronger. These skills don't just prepare them for the future; they help them lead in their communities today.

Every rural town and rural community has a distinct identity, rich in culture and heritage. The festival helps young people reconnect with their roots, bridging the gap between tradition and their own personal ambition. It encourages them to carry forward the legacy of their communities and history but also to forge forward with their own creative endeavours.

Creativity and Mental Health in Rural Australia

In the heart of rural Australia, where distances are vast and resources are limited, the importance of creativity in mental well-being cannot be overstated. Here, creativity isn't just a tool; it's a lifeline.

We heal through art and creativity. Creative expression through art, music, writing, animation, design, or performance becomes a means of emotional release and connection, helping rural youth (and all young people) navigate the complexities of growing up in remote areas.

Mental health challenges affect not just individuals but entire communities. Creative projects, especially those led by young people in collaboration with professional artists at the Fairfax Youth Festival, create avenues and opportunities for new dialogue, and for the young people involved, that opportunity to stop for a moment and to think about their values, their community, and their aspiration differently.

So what is really important for me is that not all young people become actors, writers, producers, etc. But instead, all young people feel healthy and connected. They feel happy in their skin, and they understand something about resilience. In rural areas, where services may be scarce, creative outlets empower young people to voice their struggles and triumphs. It allows them to advocate for their mental health needs and encourage societal understanding and support.

But let me be clear: creativity isn't just about painting a pretty picture; it's about painting a brighter future. Engaging in creative activities grounds rural teenagers in the present, promoting a sense of mastery, self-worth, and overall well-being.

Unleashing the Power of Intergenerational Collaboration

Through the Fairfax Youth Festival model, we've discovered a profound truth: it's not just about adults teaching teenagers; we (particularly me) are not the “experts.” There's a two-way exchange of wisdom and inspiration.

Young people always have creativity thriving somewhere within them. When teenagers feel safe, healthy, and they trust the process, they bring fresh perspectives and unbridled creativity. In the Fairfax Youth Festival, the young participants collaborate as equals with professional artists, infusing their youthful energy and ideas into the creative process.

Intergenerational collaboration fosters a rich learning environment. Adults learn from the unfiltered creativity of teenagers, gaining insight into their concerns, aspirations, and unique approaches to problem-solving. The Fairfax Youth Festival exemplifies this collaborative spirit. It's not just a festival; it's a gathering of minds across generations working together to create art that speaks to the challenges and dreams of rural Australia.

Igniting Rural Creativity

The Fairfax Youth Festival is more than an event; it's a catalyst for transformation in rural Australia. It's a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of creativity, resilience, and intergenerational collaboration.

As I journey to Swan Hill, I carry with me the hopes and dreams I had when I was a 13-year-old growing up in regional Australia. I hope the festival doesn't just open doors; it dismantles the barriers that hinder these young stars from reaching their full potential. It's a testament to the immense creative potential residing within every rural teenager.

My message to you is to rally together to support initiatives like the Fairfax Youth Festival, ensuring that every young mind, regardless of location, can explore their creative potential. Rural Australia is a treasure trove of creativity waiting to be unearthed by creative young people. We must do what we can to open up the opportunities and ensure platforms are resourced and well-delivered to unlock this creativity and empower young minds to rewrite their stories, thus shaping a brighter, more vibrant, and more equitable future for rural and regional Australia.

Bryce Ives,
Artistic Director, Fairfax Youth Festival