Our Story

Founded in 2003, Propel Youth Arts WA is a for-purpose organisation providing young people aged 12-26 with platforms to engage with arts and culture on their terms.

Delivering services to support and build capability and capacity across the youth arts sector, Propel influences decision-makers by providing evidence-based recommendations in support of the collective creative youth voice and undertakes research on the most important issues to young people in WA as they relate to the arts and creative industries.

Established in 2003 as the Youth Arts Network, Propel is focused on arts advocacy, skills development, and access to opportunities for young people already engaged in the arts and those who would like to be.

Our Vision

A cohesive and inclusive community where creative potential is supported for all young people.

Our Mission

We are the peak body for youth arts in Western Australia, working in collaboration with artists, communities, and organisations to ensure that young creative people can authentically engage in our creative industries and contribute to our society.

Our Purpose

To foster the enjoyment, understanding, and development of the arts in Western Australia by providing young people of all backgrounds with access, opportunities, and relevant support to challenge, innovate, and make positive contributions.

Our Values

Youth Leadership

Providing opportunities for young people in Western Australia to develop and influence our direction – ensuring that our programs, initiatives and advocacy respond to their needs – and exemplifying best practice in youth arts for other artists and organisations to follow.

Creative Expression

In all forms of art, including art as process, art as presentation, art as experience, art as education, and art in everyday life. We acknowledge the importance of art as an ongoing expression of identity, place and belonging, and encourage young people to question the world around them.

Inclusivity & Accessibility

For all young people across WA, regardless of their cultural background, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geographical location, and socio-economic status. We value the many voices of young people in our State, especially those who are under-represented.

Amplifying Young Voices

Actively listening to and advocating for our young people, and helping to facilitate opportunities for their creative or career development, as well as collaborating with other organisations to achieve these aims for the betterment of arts and culture in Western Australia.

Ethical Practice

Transparent and effective governance, with an actively engaged Board and staff team who have the skills to ensure robust and responsive approaches to our work. All of our decision-making is supported by our membership of young people, artists, arts workers, and organisations.