Inspiring the next generation of Central Coast creatives through hands-on professional development, mentorship and performance opportunities.
The Creative Engineers Program is Central Coast Council’s award-winning initiative designed to nurture, develop and connect emerging young artists with professional opportunities across the region’s vibrant arts sector. Through a series of tailored programs, the initiative supports skill-building, industry networking and real-world experience across music, photography and event production. All genres and skill levels are welcome, offering a platform for live performance, exposure and professional development.
To find out more or explore how to get involved, please get in touch with the Youth Services Team youthservices@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
This competition invites young bands with members aged 10-24 to compete across heats, semi-finals and a final, with the winners announced at the Creative Engineers Showcase event. The Battle is an opportunity for young musicians to compete for prizes and provides a stage to connect with a wider audience with performance pathways.
This competition is dedicated to nurturing young singers and singer-songwriters aged 7-24 years. Participants receive performance experience, skill development and industry networking opportunities, with the chance to win prizes and showcase their talent to a live audience. Performance pathways guide young artists through the music industry, providing them with tools, resources and support. Winners of the competition will be announced at the Creative Engineers Showcase event.
This competition is aimed at providing an online platform for young, talented songwriters (solo artists and bands aged 7-24 years) to showcase their skills and creativity and support them with resources and opportunities to develop their careers. This competition is being integrated as a new division across Battle of the Bands and Discovered competitions. An online public vote will help select the top songs to be pressed to a limited-release vinyl album.
This weekly term program is designed to provide singers aged 7-14 years who have had little or no formal training with the opportunity to develop their vocal skills. It has been designed as a pathway into the Discovered singing competition for younger entrants. The program provides performance opportunities with eisteddfod participation and community events.
This program is designed to connect like-minded young people with industry professionals and encourages young people to work creatively and in collaboration with others. Plug & Play is designed to help young musicians prepare for the Creative Engineers music competitions and performances. The program also provides schools with the opportunity for Plug & Play to come into the school and offers student workshops with industry professionals tailored to the school’s interest and students’ needs.
This professional development initiative supports young people pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. It offers practical experience in planning, promoting and delivering live events, with strong links to formal learning in Event Management, Event Marketing and Live Production.
Your World Your Way is a youth photography competition for aspiring photographers aged 12-24. Judges look for original photos that feature young people and highlight locations across the Central Coast. Awarded photographers receive a mentorship to develop a body of work for exhibition.