yay | yarra valley arts youth
For young artists up to 25
YAY is your way into the Valley's creative community. Recognition, mentorship, real chances to show your work, and a welcoming crew of artists to grow with.
Backing the next generation of Valley artists
Investing in young creatives is where Yarra Valley Arts began, more than thirty years ago, on a simple belief that the arts should be for everyone.
The Valley is full of young creative talent, yet young people often have to look beyond the region to find recognition, mentorship and a real way into an artistic community. YAY exists to open those doors early, right here at home. Through it, young people from under twelve through to twenty-five find a welcoming community, affordable classes and workshops in sculpture, drawing and painting, invitations to exhibitions and events, and genuine opportunities to show their work.
Everything a YAY member enjoys
A creative community
Connect with a welcoming community of artists, mentors and creative practitioners.
Discounted workshops & classes
Member rates on all YVA workshops and classes in sculpture, drawing and painting.
Entry to the Young Creatives Award
Members aged 13–25 get free entry into our flagship youth art prize, plus a place in the Virtual Young Creatives Exhibition.
Invitations to everything
Exhibitions, artist talks, workshops and creative events across the year.
Opportunities & updates
Regular member updates and first word on new opportunities and creative programs for young artists.
A voice in YVA (18–25)
Members aged 18–25 can apply to exhibit, vote at General Meetings, and join a committee or working group.
Pick your tier
One year of Youth Membership, priced by age. Under‑12s join free. Your membership also comes free with any Young Creatives Award entry.
- A welcoming creative community
- Discounted workshops & classes
- Invitations to exhibitions & events
- Regular updates for young artists
- Free, right through to March 2028
- Everything in Child Member, plus:
- Entry to the Young Creatives Award
- A place in the Virtual Young Creatives Exhibition
- Everything in Teen Member, plus:
- Apply to exhibit in YVA shows & programs
- Voting rights at General Meetings
- Join the YVA Committee or a working group
- All YVA member benefits
The Young Creatives Award
Our new online art prize for artists aged 25 and under. Share your work, join the Virtual Young Creatives Exhibition, and go in the running to be a finalist exhibited at the Healesville Memo during Open Studios 2026. Every entry includes a full year of Youth Membership.
Three steps and you're in
Add to cart
Click Start my membership below and select your member tier, and add to chart. Alternatively, enter the Young Creatives Award and get an annual membership for free! Under 12's always pay nothing.
Tell us about you
At the checkout, fill in the quick Join YAY form with your details and age group. Under‑18s, bring a parent or guardian for the sign‑up.
Welcome to YAY
Pay your membership fee and your good to to. You'll get a welcome email and you're part of the community, ready for classes, events and the Young Creatives Award.
Questions, answered
Who can join YAY?
Any young person aged 25 and under. Members are grouped into three age tiers: 12 and under, 13 to 17, and 18 to 25.
Is it really free for under‑12s?
Yes. Child Membership for 12 and under is completely free for the year. You still complete the sign‑up so we can welcome you and keep you in the loop.
Do I have to enter the Award to be a member?
Not at all. You can join YAY on its own. And if you do enter the Young Creatives Award, a year's membership is included with your entry.
What do 18–25 year olds get that's extra?
Youth Members aged 18 to 25 can apply to exhibit in YVA programs, vote at General Meetings, and join the committee or a working group, alongside all the standard member benefits.
How long does membership last?
We're moving to a single shared renewal date each March, so members renew together. Join now and free Child memberships run right through to March 2028. We'll always send a friendly reminder before it's time to renew.
Your place in the Valley's creative community starts here
Join YAY today, or enter the Young Creatives Award and get your membership included.