Annual Reports and Financials

2020

Download Annual Report 2020

Youth Action is happy to share our 2020 Annual Report with artwork by our 2021 young artist in residence, Sarah R Muir. The theme this year is youth voice, with a focus on why it's so important for young people's voices to be included in conversations that directly impact them and their communities. More about the artwork and Sarah below.

TO BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD: This digital artwork was created as a response to the theme ‘Youth Voice’ and its juxtaposition to my first thought- a phrase that echoes through my childhood; ‘Children are to be seen and not heard’. From a young age, youth are rewarded for obedience, compliance and group-oriented mentality, and there is a heavy expectation applied by senior generations to remain silent and conform to society - to not take action against injustices we experience or witness on issues that affect us. As a response to this phrase and misguided ideology, I wanted my artwork to be seen. I drew it with the intention of a striking, bold appearance and placed emphasis on the gaze of the young person I depicted, using high contrast to build tension and trap my audience in their eyes. I was also very concerned with trying to develop an inclusive portrait- one that I hope most youth can see themselves energetically reflected in, regardless of ethnicity and gender-identity, inspiring action. I drew the portrait with lips parted and half illuminated because I feel it is organisations such as Youth Action that allow youth agency and give us those moments to recollect ourselves before reconnecting with our voices and stepping into a spotlight among the chorus of problems and beliefs.

Sarah R Muir

I am a Sydney-based Israeli-Australian artist and student currently practicing and refining my work in Chatswood NSW. Growing up, I developed a love of portraiture through a fascination with the multicultural and colourful identities of people I saw online, using the internet to learn about foreign cultures, human experiences and inform myself on global human rights issues. At ten years of age, I started to saturate myself in the arts and other artists, and now am under the belief that the practice of art within itself is a raw and entirely human, unique experience. I have found that there are recurring themes of queer theory, religion, climate change, animal rights and feminist ideology present in my art. I predominantly work in oil painting, drawing, digital art and printmaking.

instagram.com/sarah_muir_art

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2019

Download Annual Report 2019

In 2019 we commissioned young Indigenous artist, Jessie Waratah Simon - Fitzpatrick to create an artwork for the cover of our annual report, co-designing its concept. We chose to reflect the challenges that NSW faced and the strength and innovation that can be born from difficult times. More about the concept and the artist below.

SEED DREAMING: For thousands of years Aboriginal people have used fire farming to care for Country, by burning off the old to create space for the new. I first conceptualised this piece whilst Australia was experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons. My work explores how the damage can also lead to new beginnings. The almond shaped seeds spring to life after the land has been scorched, bringing rejuvenation and transformative change across the landscape.

Jessie Waratah Simon - Fitzpatrick

My painting style is strongly influenced by my Warlpiri family, bold colour and vivid movement. I was born and raised in Sydney’s Inner West and identify as an original Australian. My family was claimed by the respected Warlpiri Elder, R. Granites Japanangka, who sadly passed away in 2018. ‘At the age of three!’ my father says, he, my aunties and grandmothers began passing down their knowledge and techniques of art making according to my skin Napurrula, and shared with me their own depictions of the Tjukurrpa (Dreaming). Someday I hope to know my original family’s story from North West NSW, as well as my Chinese, Pakistani, Danish, Irish, Welsh, English and convict ancestors. Warlpiri law women sang for me to be conceived and knew where I fit into their family before I was born, knowing this draws me strength. My mother dreamed of me and my father and grandfather called me from the stars. I have strived to learn from and honour all who have taught and continue to teach me and to give back whenever I can to my community.

instagram.com/jessiewaratah_artist