Talented young singers, actors and music makers have become a highlight of Central Coast Council’s new Coast Connect YouTube channel.
Launched to help council deliver a range of valued community programs during COVID-19, Coast Connect has also given a platform to local artists involved in YIPA (Youth in Performing Arts), courtesy of a dedicated playlist featuring some of the best YIPA artist performances filmed at Laycock St Theatre throughout May.
Artists featured so far include Min Ahn, Joseph Arrua, Monique Lloyd, Riley Lovell, Lucy Parle and Mairead Young.
In a nod to the wealth of local talent on the Coast, the videos are among some of the most watched on the channel, with Lloyd’s ‘The Waitress’ currently the second most viewed.
YIPA Director, Gary Jackson, said all the artists involved were thankful for the opportunity.
“Our performers have wholeheartedly embraced this opportunity council and the team at the Laycock have given them.
“It’s not easy or cheap to put a professional quality music video together, especially for young artists, and they can now use these videos to raise their profiles and add them to their portfolios.
“It’s also been a valuable learning opportunity as most of these kids had no experience of going through film production prior to this,” Jackson said.
The chance to perform amidst COVID-19 has also been highly valued by the artists, particularly after the YIPA Committee was forced to abandon this year’s YIPA showcase.
With more artists signing on to film, Jackson believes the YIPA videos will continue to grow in popularity.
“All of these kids have undeniable talent and big futures ahead of them.”
Source:
Website, Jun 3
Coast Connect YouTube channel
Interview, 3
Gary Jackson, YIPA
Reporter: Dilon Luke