New funding agreement for Courthouse Youth Arts

Council has provided more financial stability to Courthouse Youth
Arts (CHYA) to successfully plan and deliver its programs, by committing to a
four-year funding and lease agreement for 2019-2023.

The City has proudly supported CHYA financially since its opening
in 1996. The organisation offers a tailored program of arts and cultural
events and activities, providing accessible opportunities for young people
interested in the arts and those hoping to forge a career in the sector.

The agreement will see CHYA receive $265,915 a year plus CPI
increments for the next four years.

The centre leases the Courthouse building on Gheringhap and Little
Malop Streets from the City. The City also currently transfers monthly rental
income from the Courthouse Café to the centre.

Therefore the total yearly contribution to Courthouse Youth Arts
over the four-year agreement will be nearly $300,000.

Following an independent organisational review, Courthouse Youth
Arts appointed a new Executive Producer in 2018 to develop a draft Strategic
Plan that responded to the key findings.

The organisation has been in a period of renewal and has worked to
successfully strengthen its financial, artistic and organisational position.
The organisation is currently performing well against KPIs in its lease and
funding agreement with the City.

Councillor Bruce Harwood – Mayor

I’m pleased council can continue its 23-year partnership with the
Courthouse Youth Arts Centre, to ensure the great community engagement for our
young people.

The not-for-profit association does great work in our community,
by giving young people access to the arts and the opportunity to develop their
skills and improve their confidence.

Councillor Jim Mason – Chair – Arts,
Culture and Heritage portfolio

Courthouse Youth Arts makes a very important social contribution
to our community, providing an accessible entry point for young people
interested in the arts, and looking to forge a career.

A number of its activities particularly engage at-risk youth and
young people from traditionally under-represented groups, which makes it all
the more vital that we continue to support it.

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