We’ve been reflecting on the Festival of Colour’s impact on our community lately—particularly on our local youth. After attending a workshop on impact with Central Lakes Trust, we were inspired to dive into what our young participants had to say about their experiences during the Festival of Colour 2023.

Youth Participation in the Arts

From school workshops to performances by incredible artists like Adam Page, Jenny Mitchell, Ruby Solly, Liz Breslin, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and more, young people aged 5 to 18 engaged with a wide range of events. Whether participating in zine, writing, or theatre workshops, volunteering, or performing in community theatre day Surface Tension, or in the sellout Elephant Talk, the feedback from these young participants was heartwarming.

Positive Feedback from Our Youth

Most of our young attendees told us they felt “good,” “excited,” and “inspired” during these activities. In fact, over 85% said that being part of the arts festival helped boost their confidence and made them feel better about themselves. This echoes a national trend, with 71% of young New Zealanders stating that taking part in creative activities makes them feel more confident, according to Creative New Zealand.

The Power of Creative Engagement

Many of our youth participants shared that they made new friends, learned more about their self-expression, and felt connected to their culture through their involvement in the festival. An inspiring 73% even said they felt motivated to continue pursuing the arts after the festival! We’re thrilled to think about the long-term positive impact this could have on their creative futures—and for our community as a whole.

Shaping Future Programming

This feedback is not only uplifting for us but also invaluable as we shape future schools programming and support our funding applications. Keeping the arts alive for the next generation is a priority, and hearing directly from our youth helps us stay on course.

Thank You to Our Funders and Supporters

A big thank you to our incredible funders—Creative New Zealand, Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, and QLDC—as well as all our sponsors and donors. Your support creates a myriad of positive ripples that continue well beyond our Festivals.

Image by Deanna Gerlach from Festival of Colour 2023: Elephant Talk.

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