COJA reaches out to young creatives
The program is designed to meet the need, skills and interests of all members of the collective. It will focus on providing agency, skills and a platform to be recognised within the creative Jewish community.
Enthusiasm should be Romi Kupfer’s middle name.
She simply oozes her passion for art in all its forms.
Kupfer, co-founder with Dominic Weintraub of the Centre of Jewish Artists (COJA), is launching a Youth Collective aimed at creatives aged 12 to 18 years of age.
Kupfer is an experienced theatre director, producer and independent artist who recognises it is very difficult to survive and succeed as an artist.
“Many people in the Jewish community see art as negative; it is not a serious job,” she said.
“I was determined to break the notion that being a creative artist was not a good idea and would never make me any money.
“The Youth Collective is the beginning of a long term project.”
One of the drivers for creating the collective was to get young people away from their devices and show them the possibilities in the creative sphere.
Artistic talent or experience is not a precursor for joining the collective.
“It is all about coming to connect with other young people, have a good time and also learn that being an artist can be a business,” Kupfer said.
“We want them to be celebrated for themselves.”
She points out that it is hard work that requires determination so Kupfer and Weintraub will be there in a support and mentoring role.
“It’s hard but don’t give up,” she said.
The program is designed to meet the need, skills and interests of all members of the collective. It will focus on providing agency, skills and a platform to be recognised within the creative Jewish community.
The meetings will run for an hour and a half with the first one scheduled for Thursday, August 8 at 6pm in a local arts space yet to be decided.
Kupfer is adamant that the space will be flexible and inclusive.
When the group comes together they will share dinner, participate in creative activities, as well as having the opportunity to hear from Jewish arts leaders and importantly meet other like-minded young people.
Kupfer is very excited about the creation of the Jewish Arts Quarter in Selwyn Street, Elsterwick and sees this as a positive step towards celebrating Jewish art and encouraging young people to be part of the arts community.
“I am setting this [Youth Collective] up because I want to make a difference. I want to create a space that is culturally safe for Jewish artists to be their full selves and be supported by the community.”
For more information email hello@coja.com.au
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