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Led by local artist, Lisa Maza (Meriam/Yidinji/Dutch), Young Blak & Deadly is an artistic and career development program for primary and secondary school students in Brimbank.

“Creatives and crew are the backbone of the performing arts industry and we need blak voices, hands and minds working in these roles to build upon the new, diverse and outstanding works being created. For years I wondered why there were so few Blakfulla’s working in these roles? Then it occurred to me that it may be because most Blakfulla’s don’t even know these jobs exist. Young Blak & Deadly is here to provide a greater understanding of the arts and is an opportunity to connect, play & create together.” - Lisa Maza

Young, Blak & Deadly partners with local schools, Koorie Engagement Support Officers (KESOs), tertiary institutions, arts institutions, and independent artists to deliver a dynamic program of creative and educational learning opportunities.

In 2025, the program has partnered to deliver the following projects:

• NAIDOC Exhibition at Watergardens Shopping Centre, led by Aunty Lee-Anne Clake
• Melbourne Theatre Company venue tour
• Little Long Walk, Reconciliation Week project
• Aspirations Day, led by Michael McCartney, Koorie Engagement Support Officer
• Young, Blak & Deadly and Victorian College of the Arts program

The background to Young, Blak & Deadly is here.

In 2025 we also supported the delivery of a Welcome Baby to Country in partnership with Brimbank’s Early Years Team. This is an extension to our program delivery to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families connect to culture and Country.

“Working in the arts can be an exciting adventure as well as a fulfilling career path. It takes creativity and hard work and is such an important way to ensure our stories continue to be told our way.” – Lisa Maza

Special thanks to Copperfield College, our key local school involved.