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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: Heaps Decent's 'Take Over: Youth Creative Lab'

Presented as part of Town Hall Takeover by Randwick City Council

Heaps Decent’s Take Over: Youth Creative Lab is a free five-day school holiday intensive for young people aged 14–20, focused on music creation and the ideas, images and identities that surround it. This series is presented as part of Town Hall Takeover by Randwick City Council.

Whether you are already creating or curious to begin, you will work alongside Heaps Decent artists to explore songwriting, beat-making, DJ-ing, recording, music production and performance.

Over the course of five days, participants will also incorporate visual and digital art into their projects, developing album covers, logos, merchandise concepts, branding and promotional designs.

Through practical individual and collaborative activities, participants will create original work, build skills and connect with other young creatives. No previous experience is required, and all activities will take place in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The program is about more than making music and art: it is an opportunity to find your voice, build community and connect with your people. The week will culminate in an optional public showcase for families, friends and the wider community.

Take Over: Youth Creative Lab is hosted by Heaps Decent (who’ve been empowering young people through music for nearly 20 years across NSW), with mentorship from practicing artists across music, visual art and digital art.

Please note, all Heaps Decent artist facilitators hold Working With Children’s Checks and are experienced in delivering workshops supporting youth across broad demographics.

If you are outside the ages listed above, please reach out to hey@heapsdecent.com to express your interest.

The practical stuff:

Workshop dates: Monday 28 September 2026 to Friday 2 October 2026
Workshop times: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm daily
Community Showcase: Saturday, 3 October 2026 from 3:00pm
Where: Randwick Town Hall, 30 Frances Street, Randwick
What to bring: Something to write with, any instruments you’d like to use, any technology you have access to and would like to bring (e.g. laptop, iPad, smartphone)
Cost: Completely free
Food: BYO lunch, with snacks provided throughout the morning

Commitment: It is preferred if you are able to attend all five days of the workshop, however, we understand life is busy, so please let us know your availability in the application - if you can't make it to all days this will not impact your expression of interest.

Applications:
Close Friday, 11 September (or earlier if capacity is reached)
All applicants will be notified by Wednesday, 16 September

Eligibility:
Young people aged 14-20 years.

If you are outside the ages listed above, please reach out to hey@heapsdecent.com to express your interest.

Places are limited, but we aim to accommodate as many eligible applicants as possible, so we encourage you to apply early.

Accessibility Fund:
We've got you covered! Our Accessibility Fund can help with transport costs, Uber if public transport isn't accessible, lunch money, or anything else that might be a barrier to participation. Just mention what you need in your application - no big deal.

If you have any questions/concerns, please feel free to email Telina (Community Outreach Coordinator) at telina@heapsdecent.com or Tom (CEO) at tom@heapsdecent.com

1.Have you done a Heaps Decent workshop before?
2.What is your full name? This doesn't have to be your 'legal' name, whatever you preferred to be called.
3.What are your pronouns?
4.What is your date of birth? (DD/MM/YYYY)
5.How do you identify?

Pick as many as you wish!
6.What is your email?
7.What is your phone number?
8.What is your postcode? Please note, Randwick City Council youth will be prioritised.
9.Do you have any accessibility requirements that we should know about?
This could look like making sure there is a breakout space available, sensory toys, a timetable sent out prior to the day - no ask is too big...we'll always see what we can do!
10.Accessibility Fund: We have some money set aside for anyone who might need some extra help to come along to 'Take Over: Youth Creative Lab', this could look like: getting to/from the workshop, lunch money and/or literally anything else !

Tick the options below and we will get in contact with you about what we can provide :) No questions asked.
11.Do you have any allergies?
12.If yes, what are your allergies?
13.What are you MOST interested in doing in the workshop?
14.Why are you interested in the Take Over: Youth Creative Lab? What excites you? Is there anything you're nervous about?
15.What kind of experience do you have so far in music, art and design? All experience is welcome :)
16.What is the name of your emergency contact? If you are under 18, please ensure this contact is a legal guardian, as we will also be required to seek consent for your participation.
17.What is your relationship to your emergency contact?
18.What is your emergency contact's number?
19.Do you give permission for Heaps Decent LTD the right to make an audio/visual recording of you during the workshop?
20.How did you hear about this workshop and/or Heaps Decent?
21.Can we email your parent or guardian about future workshops and opportunities?
22.Any other questions? Requests? Let us know!