KICKSTART FESTIVAL 2022
✨YOUTH PLANNING COMMITTEE ✨
Alice Roberts
Alice Roberts is a seasoned veteran when it comes to the planning committee here at KickstART Festival. With a record tally of 7 years and counting, she’s not planning on stopping any time soon and is always willing to share her ideas for the festival and add her Newgrounds flare to things. Warning! She can and will talk about food non-stop….and Jackbox. Lots of Jackbox. You have been warned.
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
If I ran the world, I would Implement a tax specifically for entitled Karens, as well as anti Console Scalping laws.
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
here are so many to choose from, but ultimately I’m probably gonna have to go with Studio Killers. I’m a sucker for virtual bands and Cherry’s artwork is just [chef’s kiss], I’ve been a fan since 2012 when I first watched the music video for Eros and Apollo. All that queer electro pop goodness and Cherry herself got me absolutely hooked!
What's your secret talent?
My secret talent is probably voice impressions. I can do a pretty good impression of Milhouse Van Houten from the Simpsons, and I’ve been working on my Entrapta voice from She-Ra.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
I’m looking forward to help bring to life a festival that’s for the youth and by the youth, this is our thing, our time to shine. And no amount of old rich white conservative men are gonna take this away from us. We’re here to show the world what we can do when we come together and create an absolutely incredible festival that I’m thankful to be a part of every single year.
(Mohammed) Ayo Busari
Mohammed ‘Ayo Busari’ is a Nigerian award-winning Creative Artist, Writer, Producer, DJ, Entrepreneur & Media Personality. Previously living and working in Africa and the UK, he is now based in Boorloo. Ayo Busari is signed to his own Indie Label & Management Agency, "Mobus Entertainment''. He's also a member of the creative collective "TAB Family" in which he founded in 2019. As a creative artist, Ayo Busari, alongside his alter-ego, 'Yoruba Daddy', are all about capturing moments and memories through words, images and sounds. Whether it be photography, filmmaking, music-making, designing, live performances or writing. He's an all-round multidisciplinary creative, expressing himself through these different art forms and genres.
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
Making sure there’s a smile on every single person’s face in the world.
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
Ed Sheeran - He has no bad songs and his music has gotten me through all my sad and happy days. And he has been one major influence on me with music production and song writing.
What's your secret talent?
I am a human typewriter.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
Looking forward to working with all the amazing committee and coordinator working behind the scenes to bring magic to the festival.
Charlotte Eden
I’m a third-year university student studying Fine Art and Anthropology at Curtin. I’ve always been surrounded by art growing up and involved in the Perth art scene. I’ve been a member of the Youth Advisory Panel for The Art Gallery of WA since 2020 and have sat on several art committees including KickstART Festival. I’m passionate about accessibility and equity in the arts and hope to achieve that with the upcoming festival.
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
If I ran the world I would make working in the arts industry accessible to everyone.
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
I have many favourite artists but Grayson Perry was my first love. I’m fascinated by the humor and detail in his work.
What's your secret talent?
My secret talent is that I’m very good at remembering random details.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
I’ve wanted to be a part of KickstART for a long time and I’m excited to be working with such wonderfully talented and resourceful people.
Esté Breytenbach
Esté Breytenbach is enthusiastic about anything arts related. With a background in acting, visual art and dance, she loves telling stories, generating ideas and collaboration. in 2021 she acquired a Certificate III in Screen and Media, expanding her passion for creativity into graphic design, film and photography. When she's not rehearsing for a film or volunteering at an arts event, she enjoys her down time reading, sewing a new outfit or having a lil boogie! Esté is always looking for new ways to tell stories and connect people.
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
I would see to it that there are systems put in place to share out the global wealth proportionately. According to a 2019 study , 1.1% of the population holds about 46% of the total wealth. It saddens me to think there are people who live in excess, while a significant amount of people live in poverty. All human lives are sacred and deserving of basic human rights and dignity.
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
Anna McGahan is an Australian professional actor and writer; passionate about encouraging creative young women. I recently came to know of her through reading her book 'Metanoia' - "A Memoir On A Body Born Again". She reflects on her journey, reconciling her relationship with her body and spirituality. As a young actor myself, I am inspired by her journey. I admire her strength and dedication through her experiences. She is a comforting voice for women; saying that, no matter what you've been through, there is hope and healing.
What's your secret talent?
I can do the worm! (and LOVE it) If you ask me to do one I might launch into a backflip out of pure excitement.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
I'm looking forward to an enriching time connecting with other young people; hearing their stories and sharing experiences. There's been plenty of this already as part of the planning committee; I'm excited for the continuation of this once the festival launches!
Hazel Dortch
I'm Hazel, 17 and finishing year twelve this year. I joined the committee because I love learning and cant stop, I wanted to hear what people in the arts sector and youth sector had to say and learn about their backgrounds. I love art and I try to find it in the everyday, so seeing how arts admin takes art and emotion into account is super interesting. I'm not sure what I want to do after school but I would love to continue working within the arts/youth sectors and being part that community.
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
I'd make it illegal for any one person to rule the world. This law would be heavily sanctioned by my own secret police and offenders who question my authority will be sent to a holistic education camp to learn community values.
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
Gurrumul Yunupingu, sings me to sleep.
What's your secret talent?
I can sneeze really loudly, but that's not really a secret; it's just unexpected.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
So much!! Everyone comes from very different backgrounds but all concentrated in the arts, which is something most of us don't get much exposure to everyday. So far this experience has made me aware of all the talent but also all the opportunities in Perth for people to get to know local art and artists. And how and where this broad community intersects with the mainstream. I'm really looking forward to the coming months when the festival starts to take shape, because there's a lot I don't know about logistics and organisation, especially at the pointy end of the committee when the events and people and communities involved are strung together as the festival.
Laura Partridge
Kaya! My name is Laura and my pronouns are she/her. I have two dogs, a Labrador and a Welsh Springer Spaniel. When I'm not looking after my dogs I'm busy working on digital art projects and doing work in advocacy spaces for disability rights, mental health and climate change. :)
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
FREE education, as everyone deserves to have the right to an education and a career that they want to pursue! :)
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
I'm uncertain about a favourite artist as it is hard to really think of one but I'm inspired by those who use their creative pursuits as a platform for change.
What's your secret talent?
My secret talent is that I can sing, I haven't sung properly since high school but I'm sure I still have the voice for karaoke! :)
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
Having more opportunities to include my passions of visual arts/illustration with my advocacy work and more inclusion in the arts especially for people with disabilities.
Michelle Chong
Michelle is originally from Malaysia 🇲🇾 but resides here in Boorloo 🇦🇺 (Perth). She currently works at an event management firm as an Event Coordinator. When she’s not at her day job, she’s a freelance Photographer — capturing people, places & moments that life has to offer. She also does Events & Logistics for Lume Collective Perth; an initiative that aims to use art directed events to raise awareness around the arts & build up local artists!
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
I would like to make the world an easier place for artists to thrive as there are places in the world that don’t recognise the skills, talent & joy that artists can bring to the table.
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
Claude Monet — I’ve had the privilege to see some of his work in person & I was very blown away. He also inspired Van Gogh in many ways which led him to create the art that he did, which is something I’d like to do for artists around me!
What's your secret talent?
I can consume a lot of caffeine (mainly coffee) and still sleep like a baby at night hehe
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
I’m looking forward to witnessing how many people are impacted by Kickstart events & programs!
Yu Ying (Pete) Chuang
Yu-Ying is a photography enthusiast, a sucker for J-POP, and moonlights as a full-time sleeper. He is inspired to support the local art scene by joining the admin side of arts projects. By being part of the KickstART 2022 committee, he is having a better look at the backstage of fun and creative initiatives.
Yu-Ying holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Arts in Professional Writing and Publishing. His field of interest focuses on cultural differences as expressions of general topics, like colourful flowers on a common ground. He is interested in experimenting the nuance of languages through translating his own works into Mandarin, English and Japanese.
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
I would change the back of public toilet doors to whiteboards/blackboards and provide markers/chalks.
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
My favourite artist has to be Igarashi Daisuke. His works break the boundary between human and nature or, more precisely, reinvite human into nature. In today's world, his mangas would be classified as fantasy, which does no justice. His works echo to our old past; they are echoing to the time when we made up constellations in the night sky and when we showed respect to groundbreaking thunders. He reminds us that humans are connected to the land, which is the reason to why we feel so small.
What's your secret talent?
I am secretly good at observation and research. Put in a more concrete (creepy) context, I can locate strangers' social media accounts by one look on the street.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
I believe art is more than just watch-and-learn. I most look forward to seeing people throwing questions at each other, between audience and artists, and perhaps within themselves. As part of KickstART, I look forward to being that person, or the bridge, that opens up conversation and curiosity, opening up one to another.
Phoebe Tan
Kaya! I’m Phoebe, a graphic designer, marketing fairy and director and curator of Lume Collective Perth; an initiative that aims to use art directed events to raise awareness around the arts & build up local artists! I take pride in my positive mindset and bubbly nature and have a huge heart for people and cultural/life exchanges. Being able to contribute to the arts community here in Boorloo and be a part of mediating art conversations and creating opportunities for both creators and viewers, makes me extremely excited! Aside from working, you can find me falling over my own two feet, singing 24/7, dancing at grocery stores, and hunting down good local nibbles!
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
f I ran the world, I would like to be able to have tasting portions in all restaurants because I love eating and trying everything but unfortunately, I have a child sized appetite. Or… make smaller women sized shoes so I don’t have to opt for kids’ ones. 🙃
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
This is a tough question! If I had to pick one, it would be Van Gogh. Having spent a good portion of my educational years studying his life and work, I find myself getting lost in his work and how painful yet beautifully comforting it can be, all at once.
What's your secret talent?
A talent in not being able to walk straight & being possibly the clumsiest human alive.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
I’m looking forward to seeing each young creatives shine their own light within the arts space. Witnessing a community of love and support for young creatives to be themselves and be proud of their talents and crafts.
Vanessa Vlajkovic
Hello! My name is Ness and I'm 24. I work as a workshop presenter for the Youth Disability Advocacy Network and also for myself as a motivational and educational speaker. I have a Masters in writing, editing and publishing.
If you ran the world, what's one change you would introduce?
If I ran the world, there would be many changes; but if I have to pick just one, I would make it illegal to have any location or organisation be inaccessible for people with disability. This would mean that, according to the law, everything and everyone must be 100% accessible, and not just physically.
Who is your all-time favourite artist (of any kind) and why?
Harry Styles would be my favourite artist.
What's your secret talent?
My secret talent - I'm not sure that I have one! Well, not one that I am going to disclose publicly anyway!
What are you looking forward to most about being part of KickstART?
I'm looking forward to creating a memorable and successful week of events for young people in WA to enjoy. I'm excited to be part of the committee because it gives me an opportunity to meet many different people and build my connections far and wide.