This four-week program invites teens to create a bold, rebellious, and unexpected new work in Next Wave’s professional arts space, with support from practising artists.

We’re currently collecting Expressions of Interest - please fill out the form on this page and we will get back to you shortly.

PROGRAM DATES
You can choose between two potential time slots:
Sundays (time TBC) — starting 17th of August - 7th Sept Thursdays 6–7:30pm — starting 21st of August - 11th Sept
We'll run the program in the most popular time slot based on responses.

Final presentation night: Friday, September 12

LOCATIONS Balam Balam Place, Brunswick Brunswick Mechanics Institute, Brunswick (Next Wave)

Teen multi-arts program

  • You’ll join a small group of teens (ages 12–18) to create something completely original, with no rules or limits.

    This is a collaborative, supportive space where your ideas lead. You’ll explore, experiment, and express yourself in ways that matter to you. Our role is to help you realise your creative vision - not direct it.

    Expect to:

    • Try out a range of art forms: performance, sound, visual arts, installation, video, movement, text, and more

    • Work together to develop ideas, build, question, deconstruct, remix

    • Connect with other creative teens – make friends, share ideas, and have fun

    • Stretch your creativity and challenge expectations

    • Present your work in a professional arts venue

    No experience needed - just curiosity and a willingness to make something bold. Whether you’re already creating or just starting out, this is a space where you can take risks, try new things, and be part of something that is completely yours.

  • If you’re:

    • A teen (12–18) with a creative itch

    • Into music, art, drama, writing, video, fashion, protest, politics, or making weird things

    • Looking for something different to school or youth theatre

    • Wanting to be part of a community that values experimentation and collaboration

    Then this is for you.

    We welcome teens of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities. We’re especially committed to creating a space where LGBTQIA+ young people, neurodivergent teens, and those from culturally diverse communities feel safe, seen, and supported.

  • Your weekly workshops will be led by Anna McCarthy and Allison Wiltshire, co-founders of UNDERARTS. With extensive experience as theatre-makers, directors, and facilitators across Australia and Europe, they specialise in inclusive, youth-led spaces that prioritise creativity, experimentation, and joy.

  • This program is proudly supported by Next Wave, one of Australia’s most exciting and leading platforms for emerging and experimental art.

    Next Wave works with young and early-career artists to create ambitious new work, develop their practice, and connect with audiences through professional opportunities, festivals, and programs. Based at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute, Next Wave champions risk-taking, collaboration, and bold new voices - and that’s exactly what this project is all about.

    We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with them to bring this creative opportunity to life for teens.

  • $100 for the full program (4 workshops + final presentation)

    Free and discounted spots available for:

    • Concession card holders

    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

    • Refugee and asylum seeker families

    • Anyone for whom the price is a barrier - please reach out.

    We don’t want cost to stop anyone from participating. Just send us an email and we’ll work something out: hello@underarts.com.au

Please fill in the EOI form below and we will be in touch shortly. If you have any questions or thoughts please don’t hesitate to contact us: hello@underarts.com.au