South Australian Youth Arts Board (SAYAB)
SAYAB replaced the Youth Performing Arts Council which had been appointed by the Minister for the Arts in 1980 to oversee the development of arts for young people throughout the state.

The establishment of SAYAB in 1989 marked a new era in the provision and administration of arts programs and services for young South Australians

SAYAB's objectives are to:

• fund activities which encourage participation and excellence in the arts;
• establish specific programs which complement the range of experience available to all young South Australians and target disadvantaged groups within the youth sector;
• provide information and assistance which recognises and encourages the contribution of arts practitioners to young people;
• develop and maintain community access to the organisation;
• generate and maintain a positive and dynamic corporate image; and
• provide a working environment for staff which emphasises equal opportunity, health and safety, productivity, innovation, personal development and job satisfaction, and which fosters creativity.

Over the years, a unique model has emerged. Driven by State Government Youth Arts Policy, SAYAB's objectives are met through
a symbiotic and pro-active relationship between the board and its program arm, Carclew Youth Arts Centre.

Thus, SAYAB has two distinct arms:

• Funding Arm: SAYAB Grants Program funds arts activity for, by and with young people; and
• Program Arm: Carclew Youth Arts co-ordinates projects, events, workshops and training for young people.

Youth Arts Policy for 2004-2007:

PREAMBLE

A vibrant Arts Sector underpins a healthy contemporary society.

An energised, growing, sustainable Youth Arts community, which spans all art forms and delivers quality outcomes for children and young people under 27 years of age, is vital to ensure the future cultural, social and economic wellbeing of South Australia.

GUIDING PRINCIPALS

• Arts for learning
  An arts' rich childhood improves literacy, numeracy, social skills and personal development. Arts experience is also vital in the acquisition by young people of skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing their employment opportunities and providing profound social and economic benefits.
  
  
• Arts for identity
  The arts stimulate imagination, generate capacity and energy and offer new ways of experiencing the world. Involvement in the arts helps children and young people develop confidence and a strong sense of identity and self-esteem.
  
  
• Arts for future
  South Australian Youth Arts, across all art forms for children and young people, contributes towards children's and young people's understanding of the cultural forces that help shape their world.
  
  
• Arts for life
  Arts experiences cultivate and nourish children and young people's creative, intellectual and communication skills and capacities, enabling them to participate as constructive members of contemporary Australian society.
  
  
• Arts for all
  The Youth Arts Sector spans the development from childhood to young adulthood, and includes young parents and carers of children. The sector is diverse, inclusive and acknowledges differences in gender, cultural background, socio-economic status, geographic location, interests and levels of ability.

POLICY PRIORITIES

From 2004 to 2007 the South Australian Youth Arts Board (SAYAB) will focus on the following four Key Priority areas and will encourage:

1. Artistic Excellence, Innovation and Risk Taking
   - Supporting innovation, experimentation and risk-taking;
   - Celebrating, acknowledging and rewarding achievements;
   - Supporting, valuing and engaging with the Youth Arts sector in its myriad of forms
   
   
2. Industry Development, Advocacy and Research
   - Fostering sustainable business practices across the Youth Arts sector;
   - Raising the status and recognition of the value of Youth Arts in the South Australian Community;
   - Advocating for strong government and non-government support for youth arts;
   - Improving research, data collection and evaluation to underpin policy development.
   
   
3. Opportunities, Diversity and Access
   - Encouraging artistic diversity: by valuing and providing opportunities to explore all contemporary and traditional art forms.
   - Encouraging inclusive and accessible programs with participation not diminished due to geographic location, low income or disability.
   - Responding to cultural needs of Indigenous Youth Arts practice.
   - Increasing opportunities for training and work experience and employment in the arts for all young people and youth arts workers
   - Fostering ownership and leadership of young people through their active involvement in planning, development, decision making and implementation of programs
   
   
4. Arts in Education, and Community Cultural Capacity
   - Promoting the importance of the role that Arts can play in the education, training and recreational pursuits of all children and young people;
   - Advocating for the development of effective arts and education policy among key stakeholders;
   -Creating partnerships with artists, schools, community organisations and other cultural institutions for the delivery of cultural opportunities and cultural development for all children and young people and their communities.
   

SAYAB VISION STATEMENT

The South Australian Youth Arts Board is the leading force in the provision of opportunities for children and young people in South Australia, to engage with and participate in quality arts experiences. SAYAB provides strategic support for young artists, youth arts workers and companies and encourages them to create a safe environment that values daring and experimentation, fostering enjoyment and appreciation of the arts in future generations.

SAYAB MISSION

The South Australian Youth Arts Board will work strategically with government agencies and the broader arts sector to develop policy and secure long term funding for dedicated youth arts programs, facilities and resources to support and promote a wide range of quality arts opportunities for children and young people (under 27 years of age).

SAYAB OPERATING MECHANISMS

SAYAB supports excellence and equity through:

• Statewide program funding supporting an innovative youth performing arts infrastructure;
  
  
• Project and development funding supporting innovative activities across all art forms;
  
  
• Scholarships, awards, traineeships, mentorships and other industry development programs.

Carclew Youth Arts Centre implements the vision of SAYAB through:

• Statewide across art forms programs , community access and participation;
  
  
• the provision of a multi-functional youth arts centre and facilities;
  
  
• a fully equipped theatre dedicated to children and young people (The Odeon);
  
  
• Strategic partnerships, programs and projects with the Department of Education and Children’s Services which support and enrich pre-schools, schools Arts curriculum;
  
  
• Strategic partnership programs with local and state government authorities, regional agencies, and other government and non government stakeholders.
  

Annual Report

If you are interested in reading our Annual Reports, please download a copy:

SAYAB Annual Report 2002/2003

SAYAB Annual Report 2003/2004

SAYAB Annual Report 2004/2005

SAYAB Annual Report 2006/2007

If you would like us to send you a hard copy, please contact contact SAYAB on 8361 9777, or email sayab@sayab.org.au