About Us

Youth Arts Queensland (YAQ) is Queensland’s peak body for children and young people in the arts. Established in 1989, we are a not-for-profit, membership based organisation that leads, celebrates, strengthens and responds to youth arts and cultural development in Queensland and beyond.

Our organisation plays a critical leadership role in the youth arts sector by advocating for and on behalf of people who engage children and young people in the arts. It is our responsibility to oversee the implementation of Horizons: The Children and Young People in the Arts Sector Vision 2009 – 2013 and profile the achievements of youth arts practitioners to local, state and national arts, government and community sectors.

What we have to offer

• Support and advice with your business, marketing and other organisational queries
• Current information on relevant policy and government announcements, employment and professional development offers, new programs and initiatives
• Links and referrals to potential project partners
• Networking opportunities with industry colleagues and government
• Hot topic seminars
• Auspicing agreements and letters of support for your funding applications
• Promotional support through our website, social networking platforms and other publications

We also manage a number of programs that directly support the professional development of young artists, arts workers and cultural producers through mentoring, skills development opportunities and individual advice.

Our Staff

Chief Executive Officer - Julie Woodward

Marketing Manager - Caro Jende

Marketing Coordinator - Birgit Willadsen

Senior Program Manager - Anne Toovey

National Programs Manager - Anna Jones

Regional Program Manager - Lisa Burnett

Program Coordinator - Carley Commens

Program Coordinator - Luke Briscoe

Program Coordinator - Alexandra McCallum

Project Coordinator - Cassey Russell

Lead Trainer - Ray Bourne

Administration Trainee (YAQ office) – Lucy Thompson

Administration Trainee (Caboolture office) – Elly Westaway

School Based Trainee - Jacinta Baker

Finance Officer - Jeannette Saez

Our management committee

Janet McDonald (Chair)

Elliott Bledsoe (Secretary)

Brian Tucker (Treasurer)

Liz Burcham

Hilary Martin

Steven Maxwell

Helen Klaebe

To find out more, contact us .

*To access these services, we invite you to become a YAQ member .