The work of young artists featured at a Contrast Art Program exhibition in Seymour earlier this month.
The free eight-week art program was for young people aged between 12 and 18 with a connection to Seymour.
Every Thursday at Our Place Seymour, young people learnt, designed and created with help from professional artists and art therapists.
Participants also had the opportunity to mentor younger students on the art skills they had learnt throughout the program.
Each participant received more than $100 worth of art supplies for free, as well as tools to keep them creative once the program was complete.
The program supports young people to build connections, confidence and self expression through participation in expressive and artistic activities.
It also allowed young people to develop positive relationships with service providers and youth workers.
The program, coordinated by Mitchell Shire Youth Services and funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, was supported by service providers including The Bridge Youth Service, Nexus Primary Health, police and five local art mentors and therapists.
Mitchell Shire deputy mayor Fiona Stevens said providing support and services for young people in the area was of high importance for the council.
“Programs like this provide safe environments for young people to learn social skills, give voice to their struggles and experience a sense of belonging. This engagement promotes their wellbeing and development and boosts their potential to be positive contributors in their communities,” she said.
“It was fantastic to see the wonderful array of art on display at the exhibition and to hear from the young people who participated in the program.”