Q - Is there funding and/or support to deliver the sessions?
A - Yes, there is funding and support for the YOUnity program.
Q - Is there a cost for people to attend?
A - To make the program accessible, participation is free.
Q - How many studio series can an organisation deliver?
A - An organisation has the flexibility to deliver one or both series as standalone programs or combined into a single format. You can also choose to run multiple series tailored to different age groups. We're happy to work with you to create the format that best fits your community's needs. Here is an example.
Q - When do the sessions need to be delivered?
A - Flag Studios to be delivered by June 2026. Story Studios to be delivered by March 2026.
Q - What frequency do the sessions need to be delivered?
A - Ideally one to two per week, on a day and time best suited for the age and accessibility to the venue, ie public transport running time, etc...
Q - What is the age group for the sessions?
A - 13 to 24
Q - How many people can participate in a session?
A - The studios have been designed for groups of 3 to 12 people
Q - What is the 'Working with LGBTIQA+' guided session with a health professional?
A - This is a 30-minute online session stepping organisations/facilitators through working with the LGBTIQA+ community, with recommendations on how to engage with the cohort and set up a safe and relaxed creative environment.
Q - What is the 'Creative Series' training with the teaching artist?
A - This is a 15-minute online training will guide through the activities in the series that have been designed to assist in conversation and creative expression. The SEW-Arts framework and program reflection will also be covered.
Q - Who is the ideal facilitator?
A - The ideal facilitator is someone who can confidently engage with participants. They are not required to be an artist.
The sessions are designed for entry-level experience to the arts, it is preferred that the facilitator has had exposure to the arts and delivered workshops with up to 12 participants. A 15-minute training with a teaching artist will be provided to familiarise the facilitators with the activities. Ongoing creative support is available throughout the program.
As this is a youth-focused program, a valid Working With Children (WWC) Check is required. Experience working with young people is highly desirable.
As the program is designed for LGBTIQA+ participants, the facilitator should either identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community or be a strong ally (supporter). Creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment is a top priority. Facilitators will receive training on working with the LGBTIQA+ community and will have ongoing access to support.
It’s important to note that facilitators are not expected to serve as counsellors or health professionals. Instead, the facilitator, like in any workshop, is to create and maintain a safe, engaging, and respectful space for participants. In this program, this includes being mindful of the specific needs of LGBTIQA+ youth, which are covered in the provided training and ongoing support.
Q - What space is required to run the sessions?
A - A space that can comfortably hold up to 12 participants with tables, chairs and an area to clean paint brushes. Ideally, a space with good lighting and ventilation that provides a level of privacy/comfort (ie not in a window on the main street). For a toilet to be accessible as a gender neutral toilet - (gender natural toilet flyer is provided). A chill space to the side of the creative (studio) area.
Q - What is a chill space?
A - This is an area in your building where participants can take 5 minutes to relax and be quiet.
Q - How will the program be promoted?
A - Invitations will be provided to organisations/groups to personally invite participants/groups in the local community. In larger regional towns/cities, there are options to promote the program via local social and physical media.
Q - If a young person has recently left the region, can they still participate?
A - Yes, there are individual create-at-home packs available, contact richelle@northmidlands.org.au to arrange.
Q - If a person is unable to attend due to distance or unable to make workshop times, can they still participate?
A - Yes, there are individual create-at-home packs available, contact richelle@northmidlands.org.au to arrange.
Q - Do participants need to attend all sessions of the series?
A - The series has been designed for participants to attend all sessions, but it is not compulsory.
Q - Can people do both series? The flag and stories?
A - Yes, they are designed to complement each other, but both series stand alone.
Q - Can a person participate in the same series in different groups in the community?
A - Yes, people are welcome to participate in the same series with different groups/people in the community.
Q - If a participant is figuring out their sexual identity, can they attend if they are questioning?
A - Yes they can.
Q - A participant has no art experience, can they still participate?
A - Yes, the workshops have been designed for entry-level art experience with the flexibility for experienced participants.
Q - Does the participant need to submit their work?
A - Ideally, yes, the program is designed to foster a sense of community, not just locally, but also to the community and organisations across the state.
Q - Can a person submit their work anonymously?
A - Yes they can.
Q - Do participants get their flag back?
A - We recommend participants take a digital image of their work as their flag will be sewn into the large flag as part of the project.
Q - What is an ally?
A - Someone who supports the rights and well-being of gay individuals and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Q - Can a person attend the workshops if they are a participant's ally?
A - Yes they can. Note; to hold the space, ideally, an ally would be around the same age as the participant, up to 24 years.
