Using The Arts To Support Youth, Women And People Living With Disability

The Australian Government supported Dreamcast Theatre, a creative youth hub to build a new cafeteria, production studio and co-working hub. These facilities were launched at an event on Monday, 15 February 2021.

Dreamcast Theatre is a volunteer-run centre that helps youth, women and people with disability to develop their creative passions through Arts classes and networking. Dreamcast also provides a place to showcase artistic projects. Projects can include feature-length films, photography and performance such as music, dance, theatre and singing.

The Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis, partnered with Dreamcast to improve Dreamcast’s operations and support it to build the new cafeteria, production studio and co-working space. These facilities aim to help Dreamcast generate income by selling food and renting out the studio and co-working space.

At the launch event, the Australian Deputy High Commissioner Sally-Anne Vincent gave an address congratulating Dreamcast for its achievements. Deputy High Commissioner Vincent said “I want to congratulate Dreamcast and its over 150 volunteer members on your achievement in ensuring that the Art Hub is equipped with a co-working space, production studio and cafeteria which will support income generation for Dreamcast as well as it’s sustainability.”

“We are proud to support Dreamcast through Strongim Bisnis, our private sector development program.”

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting inclusive development and economic growth in the Solomon Islands. Young people have a critical role to play in the country’s development and we are proud to support this place where they can make their voices heard.”

Speaking on behalf of Dreamcast, Mr Nuia said, “I remember our first meeting with Strongim Bisnis back in 2018. Our board members, volunteers and two advisors from Strongim Bisnis were determined to overcome the rotted tiles and broken walls to share our dreams. Now, despite COVID-19 and with Strongim Bisnis’ help we have been able to… serve our members with new facilities. I encourage more artists to join our community”.

As a social enterprise, Dreamcast has conducted two roadshows in the provinces about preventing gender-based violence. In addition, some Dreamcast volunteers were trained in sign language and held performing arts classes called “Sign to Shine” for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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