Artistic talents of detention centre youth on show in Townsville

An exhibition of art works created by young people from the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre in Townsville will be officially opened tonight.

Communities and Youth Minister Warren Pitt said the ‘Youth Works 2007 – creating brighter futures’ exhibition involved paintings and ceramics by about 20 budding young artists currently residing at the Townsville detention centre.

“These talented young people should take pride in the fact that their artworks have come together to form such a high-quality public exhibition,” he said.

Mr Pitt said the young people were participants in the detention centre’s successful Youth Works art program.

“Youth Works continues to have a positive influence on the lives of young people in detention, and the public exhibition is an important part of the program’s success.

“One of the more positive and pleasing aspects of the program has been the noticeable increase in the level of self-esteem among the young people,” he said.

“I am pleased that these works will be on display for the community to see and appreciate that these young people are working hard to turn their lives around.

“By participating in this program the young people learn that they can make worthwhile and valuable contributions to their communities.”

The Youth Works 2007 — ‘creating brighter futures’ exhibition will be open to the public from 13–20 September at the Maritime Museum, Palmer Street, South Townsville.

Artworks will be for sale with the funds held in trust for the young artists. Youth Works is a partnership between the Department of Communities and Education Queensland.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280