Youth Art Initiatives Unfold in Wangaratta, Australia and Jersey, Channel Islands

A blank wall on a laneway off Murphy Street in Wangaratta, Australia, will become a public mural under the free "The Grid" program. Local mural artist Ronan Holdsworth will run three two‑hour workshops for residents aged 16‑26, followed by an on‑site painting session. Funded by the Emerging Needs Program of the Wangaratta Grit and Resilience Program, the project incurs no cost to participants and is backed by building owner Brett Anderson and nearby businesses. Participants will learn design, painting techniques, site management, intellectual‑property basics and budgeting.

In Jersey, six graffiti‑style panels created by young islanders are now displayed on the hoarding around the former Ann Street Brewery site, previewing the future Ann Street Youth Centre. The artwork, contributed by local schools and youth groups, celebrates friendship, inclusion, creativity and wellbeing. The five‑storey centre, slated to open in summer 2028, will feature a rooftop kick‑pitch, climbing wall, dance studio, boxing gym and health‑and‑beauty rooms, with ongoing input from youth ambassadors and community consultations.