About:
Future Reset was a ground-breaking partnership between VicHealth and the arts sector, aimed at advancing the collective health and wellbeing of young people.
Together, the initiative harnessed the power of art, creativity, and culture to enhance mental wellbeing and social connection, with young people leading the charge. When art and young people came together, the possibilities were endless—a future with unimaginable potential.
The pandemic highlighted global inequalities rooted in intersecting structures of race, class, gender, heteronormativity, and ableism. These inequalities manifested in various social, health, and economic outcomes, impacting people's sense of belonging, safety, and security in institutions and everyday contexts. In response, the Future Reset program was developed as part of a growing movement in public health initiatives worldwide to increase social connectedness and wellbeing through community-based art projects.
As one of the nine arts organisations in this initiative, Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) partnered with VicHealth's Future Reset to deliver transformative youth-oriented programs in Melbourne's outer southeastern, western, and Wimmera regions. Over three years, these programs fostered creativity and promoted mental wellbeing through connection, culture, and youth-led projects.
The Programs:
MAV collaborated with seven local producers from within our community to co-design programs driven by Young Creative Lead, James Emmanuel McKinnon. Together, we were proud to present the following initiatives:
Engaging multicultural youth in Tarneit and Point Cook through dance workshops, mentorships, and a talent quest, led by Deng Tebir.
Led by Nomad and Vina, empowering young talents in Wyndham and the greater Western suburbs in Hip Hop and RnB music production
Titan DeBirioun leads this program in Werribee and Tarneit, offering skills in filmmaking to African youth.
Lara Juab and CAS organize this festival in Dandenong, celebrating music, arts, and dance among culturally diverse youth.
Initiated by CMY Ballarat and Headspace Ballarat, providing mental health support to youth in the Central Highlands & Wimmera regions through podcasts.
These initiatives are part of a larger movement to empower young people, nurture creativity, and promote mental wellbeing in communities across Victoria. Together, we are shaping a future where art, culture, and youth voices play a central role in creating healthier and more connected societies.
The Producers:
Deng Tebir
Titan Debirioun
Nomad
Larra Juab
Tasi Taa
Tiaal Mi Goa
The Outcomes:
Diversity in Motion:
🔥 Enhanced dance skills: Participants will develop their dance abilities through workshops, mentorship, and performances, gaining confidence and technical proficiency.
🔥 Community engagement: The project will create opportunities for multicultural youth to connect with each other and with the broader community through dance, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
🔥 Talent recognition: The initiative will provide a platform for young dancers to showcase their talents, receive recognition, and potentially access further opportunities in the dance industry.
BeFree HipHop Workshops:
🔥 Empowerment through music production: Young talents will be empowered to express themselves through Hip Hop and RnB music production, gaining skills in beat-making, songwriting, and recording.
🔥 Resources and mentorship: Participants will have access to resources such as recording equipment and software, as well as mentorship from experienced artists, helping them develop their craft and navigate the music industry.
🔥 Community impact: The workshops will contribute to the local music scene, fostering creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression among youth in Wyndham and Western suburbs.
Higher Vision Filmmaking Program:
🔥 Development of filmmaking skills: African youth learn the art and techniques of filmmaking, including scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing, enabling them to tell their stories effectively.
🔥 Encouragement of creativity and storytelling: The program will encourage participants to explore their creativity and express their unique perspectives through filmmaking, fostering a deeper understanding of storytelling as a powerful medium.
🔥 Amplification of voices: The films created through the program will amplify the voices and experiences of African youth, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive narrative in the filmmaking industry.
MAD Festival / Music, Arts, and Dance Festival:
🔥 Celebration of cultural diversity: The festival will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Dandenong through music, arts, and dance, promoting inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation of diverse traditions.
🔥 Promotion of community cohesion: By bringing together artists, performers, and community members, the festival will promote social cohesion, strengthen community bonds, and create a shared sense of identity and pride.
🔥 Support for mental wellbeing: The creative and expressive nature of the festival will contribute to positive mental health outcomes, providing an outlet for self-expression, joy, and connection.
Tiaal Mi Goa Podcast (Thrive Cast) / Thrive Cast:
🔥 Increased mental health awareness: The podcast will raise awareness about mental health issues among youth in the Central Highlands & Wimmera regions, encouraging open conversations and reducing stigma.
🔥 Destigmatisation of mental health: By sharing personal stories and insights, the podcast will contribute to destigmatizing mental health challenges, promoting empathy, understanding, and support within the community.
🔥 Valuable insights and support: Listeners will gain valuable insights, coping strategies, and resources related to mental wellbeing, empowering them to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed.
These combined outcomes capture the comprehensive impact and benefits of each project, addressing skill development, empowerment, community engagement, cultural celebration, and mental wellbeing support.
The Future Reset Program is funded by Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV), and supported by VicHealth.
