‘Stories from the Heart’ development program revolutionising Queer Storytelling for LGBTQIA+SB teenagers opens applications for its second year
‘Stories from the Heart’ (SFTH) will see eight lucky LGBTQIA+SB teens unleash their creative potential and build intergenerational connections within the Sydney queer community. SFTH is a life-changing, queer storytelling development program. Over the course of four workshops over two months, the teens will develop a performance piece under the mentorship of some of the most exciting queer artists, writers, directors and performers in the industry. Previous mentors include Zoe Terakes, Imbi, Laneikka Denne & Tommy Misa. At the end of the program, the teens will perform their pieces for a live audience during Mardi Gras celebrations.
Much more than a development program, closer to a life-changing experience, inaugural SFTH teen participant and emerging queer artist, Jack explains:
“Stories from the Heart' has become a multi-generational community of queer artists who come together to create, share, heal, and celebrate.”
The program was born during Sydney World Pride earlier this year and played to a sold out audience. This successful first season helped teens find community, improve their mental health and strengthened their confidence as artists. SFTH has been rapidly growing ever since.
Brought to you by the new kids on the block, Transmedium, they are a brand new community arts organisation that is trans-led and youth-centred, created by program producer and award-winning filmmaker, Claud Bailey and activist and artist Aud Mason-Hyde. Stories from the Heart is Transmedium’s first project, marking the beginning of an exciting upcoming slate of trans arts projects that will elevate and empower trans youth through the arts.
2023 ‘Stories from the Heart’ artist mentor, Zoe Terakes, shares:
“If we had that growing up, our lives would be drastically different. I grieve that this didn’t exist for my generation, and celebrate that it does now.”
For the second year of the program, we’ve once again partnered with national queer youth organisation, Wear it Purple, who have committed to continually support the program for the coming years
“Wear it Purple is proud to have supported SFTH from its inception. This project closely aligns with our mission to empower rainbow youth to feel proud of who they are and express themselves freely, all whilst giving them access to a vibrant and supportive queer community.”
- Brenna Harding, Co-President of Wear it Purple.
Alongside Wear it Purple, SFTH received funding from their government partner, City of Sydney.
A huge priority for the program is the safety and wellbeing of the teens. We’ve brought on a safety and wellbeing support artist Felicity Nicol, as well as leading NSW queer youth organisation Twenty10, who will be providing consultation and peer support workers for the duration of the program. Nicol says:
“I was lucky enough to catch the first season of SFTH and was floored by the talent and raw emotion of the teens. I am thrilled to be apart of this groundbreaking work and cannot wait to get started!”
To ensure longevity and sustainability for their flagship teen program, Transmedium has partnered with Darlinghurst Theatre Company. Executive and Acting Artistic Director, Suzanne Pereira says:
“We think the future is bright for ‘Stories from the Heart’ and Transmedium. We felt the synergy from the moment Claud approached us. For 30 years Darlo has been synonymous with presenting exceptional opportunities for artists, community and audiences in the heart of Darlinghurst. We stand for radical empowerment and inclusion - and as part theatre-maker, part experience-maker with a deep connection to LGBTQIA+SB adult communities - we are absolutely thrilled to be working with Transmedium to champion arts access for LGBTQIA+SB youth. This is definitely the beginning of something very special, and Darlo is totally here to amplify the voices of young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to tell to tell their story, in their voice.”
Transmedium and our partners believe that, together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant queer community through the power of storytelling.
If you know an LGBTQIA+SB teenager who could benefit from the unique ‘Stories From The Heart’ program, please share this opportunity with them.
Applications close on December 1st 2023.
For any questions, concerns or media enquiries, feel free to contact stories@transmedium.org and keep up to date with all things #SFTH on instagram @trans.medium.