Jessica Powter has taken the reins as centre manager at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre and aims to promote the arts in remote communities around Katherine.
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As part of a busy 2021 schedule, GYRACC is launching the Keith Payne Youth Art Prize.
The prize will be a feature of the Katherine Art Prize, and allow GYRACC staff to encourage children in Beswick, Barunga and Miniyeri to take up the arts.
"That sponsor is for us to travel out and engage regional kids to be part of the Katherine Prize," Ms Powter said.
"Do workshops with the kids in the remote regions and promote the arts."
She said the aim of the program is getting young people in the communities to have long term involvement in the arts.
"[We want] the kids in the community to consider that's an employment opportunity for them," she said.
"Just for them to consider there's other parts of the creative industry like music and acting and writing and poetry, really just promote what's out there."
Ms Powter said the program will eventually expand to include other communities, to offer alternatives to sport and trades for young people in the region.
"Art and culture in communities and the art centres in the communities are so important."
Ms Powter grew up in Katherine and has been an active member of the community, and says she sees an opportunity to grow arts and entertainment in the town.
"I grew up here... went to school, very much a local," she said.
"More engagement with the broader community... to start to development people in the creative industry.
"There's so much talent in the region and I think this centre could certainly nurture that."
Other upcoming events include local art and photography exhibitions, live music on the first Friday of every month and comedy acts.
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