bankstown youth development service

BYDS is a community arts based cultural development organisation located at the Bankstown Arts Centre. BYDS has for the last twenty years instigated innovative arts and cultural projects leading to profound and lasting changes amongst the communities of Bankstown and South West Sydney. BYDS is well-known across Western and South Western Sydney for creating, in collaboration with the community and other partners, a constant stream of intelligent and challenging community based art works. BYDS draws upon the philosophy of skills transfer and community cultural development, using the arts to build the creativity and capability of individuals and communities. BYDS has developed and mentored a generation of younger artists proficient in different artforms (performance, theatre, multimedia, dance, drama, writing etc). BYDS is recognised for its expertise at producing community based arts projects unique for their cross-disciplinary, cross-generational and culturally diverse nature. OUR MISSION STATEMENT To inspire local young artists and to deliver sustainable cultural programs that invigorate the local Bankstown community. OBJECTIVES 1. To improve the quality of life for young people through access to arts and cultural programs by: Supporting existing initiatives and young and emerging local artists Designing and managing specific programs to meet the needs of local young people Providing access and appropriate resources to emerging artists and communities 2. To raise public awareness and understanding of local young people and their positive contribution to the arts, the community and Australian society 3. To use arts and cultural tools to address issues that affect young people 4. To build and support the arts and cultural infrastructure of the Bankstown area and actively attract relevant arts and cultural resources to the area