At Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to see themselves as an artist, a storyteller and a valued contributor to their community.
Our 2026 Youth Creator Program brought this vision to life through a creative partnership with Coffs Harbour High School, providing students with the opportunity to work alongside their Visual Arts Teacher, Alex Carr, and emerging Gumbaynggirr artist and former student Mikaela Johnston to create a large-scale public artwork welcoming visitors to The Gallery.
More Than a Mural
While the finished artwork is a vibrant addition to The Gallery, the true success of the program lies in the journey.
Across a series of workshops, students explored creativity, storytelling and collaboration while gaining practical experience in a professional gallery environment. They learned to work together, solve creative challenges and contribute to a project much larger than themselves. As their confidence grew, so too did their understanding of the important role art can play in strengthening communities and creating a sense of belonging.
For Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, investing in young people is an investment in the future of our creative community. Programs like this provide meaningful pathways for emerging artists while encouraging young people to see the arts as a place where their ideas, stories and voices matter.
Building Confidence Through Connection
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Youth Creator Program was watching relationships develop throughout the workshops.
Students were supported every step of the way by dedicated mentors who encouraged experimentation, celebrated achievements and created a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone felt comfortable contributing. The program became a safe space where young people could express themselves, learn from one another and experience the confidence that comes from creating something together.
This reflects the heart of Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance’s work. Through art and culture, we create opportunities for connection, learning and shared experiences that strengthen both individuals and communities.
A Gesture We’ll Never Forget
At the conclusion of the program, the students surprised the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance team with handmade cards and flowers to thank everyone involved for their encouragement and support.
It was an incredibly moving moment.
The thoughtful gesture reminded us that while the artwork will remain on display, the greatest legacy of the program is the confidence, friendships and sense of belonging that the students will carry with them long after the paint has dried.
Hearing from the Students
The feedback from participants spoke volumes about the impact of the program:
“The mural looked good and I enjoyed painting it. It was exciting. I liked going out of school to do a project.“
“Got to see a lot of cool paintings and had a fun time… Yeah I felt safe and supported.“
“The work environment of The Gallery is the perfect combination of being immediately welcoming while showcasing excellence.“
These reflections reinforce something we see every day—when young people are trusted, supported and given meaningful opportunities, they flourish.
Looking Ahead
The Youth Creator Program demonstrates the power of partnerships between schools, artists and community organisations. By bringing young people into The Gallery, we are not simply teaching artistic techniques—we are creating pathways into the creative industries, nurturing future leaders and ensuring Aboriginal and regional arts continue to thrive for generations to come.
We extend our sincere thanks to the students of Coffs Harbour High School, Alex Carr, Mikaela Johnston and everyone who contributed to this inspiring project.
Together, we are creating opportunities where creativity grows, confidence flourishes and the next generation of artists can find their place.
The Youth Creator Program was proudly presented by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance with support from Create NSW.
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