ART: AN EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY FOR YOUTH
By Jasmine Kuliniasi
Creative Consultant, Art Activism PNG
Youth unemployment is a pressing issue that affects countless young individuals in Papua New Guinea (PNG). As we strive to find innovative solutions to this problem, one approach that shows promise is harnessing the power of art to create employment opportunities for the youth. Additionally, it is crucial to establish policies that safeguard young artists from exploitation. In pursuing these goals, I strongly believe that this course will equip me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and insights to effectively tackle the challenges we face and make a positive impact on youth unemployment in PNG.
Art has the potential to create numerous employment avenues for young individuals, especially in PNG. PNG is home to over 800 languages and 7000 different cultures, and as a result, Papua New Guineans are natural story tellers, we carry our stories in our identity, our traditional attire, and our markings. Art is a form of our culture, and in recent years, with exposure to social media and the rest of the world, our cultural art has morphed into more contemporary and modern-day artistry. By supporting and promoting local artistic talent, we can establish thriving creative industries that offer job opportunities in various fields such as visual arts, performing arts, craft, design, and more. This course can help me gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage art for economic empowerment. It will provide insights into effective strategies for fostering artistic entrepreneurship, developing sustainable creative enterprises, and connecting artists with markets and networks.
Furthermore, the course will likely explore innovative approaches to integrating art into sectors beyond traditional art industries. This interdisciplinary perspective can open doors to collaborations with sectors like tourism, hospitality, urban planning, and social development. By identifying and capitalizing on these opportunities, we can create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures and sustains employment prospects for young artists. While empowering youth through art, it is equally important to protect young artists from exploitation. This course can play a vital role in helping me understand the legal, ethical, and policy frameworks required to safeguard the rights and interests of young artists in PNG.
By delving into topics like intellectual property rights, copyright laws, fair compensation, and contracts, this course can equip me with the knowledge necessary to advocate for comprehensive policies that protect young artists from being exploited. Understanding the legal landscape surrounding art in PNG will enable me to contribute to the development of regulations that ensure fair treatment, proper remuneration, and safe working conditions for young artists. While it is essential to rely on these fundamental frameworks, it is equally imperative to prioritize the protection and respect of our culture wherever they are employed.
In addition, this course may explore the importance of mentorship, education, and capacity-building programs for young artists. By incorporating these elements into our initiatives, we can empower emerging artists with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to succeed in the creative industry. Understanding best practices in mentoring and educational programs will enable me to design and implement effective support systems that nurture young artists and equip them for sustainable careers.
Through the knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained from this course, I am confident that I will be able to design and implement impactful initiatives that provide employment opportunities for young individuals and create an environment that protects and supports the growth of young artists. Together, with a collective commitment and concerted efforts, we can transform the challenges of youth unemployment into opportunities for creativity, economic growth, and a brighter future for the youth of Papua New Guinea.
Learn more about the PDIA 2 Cohort here.