It's hard enough being an adolescent but harder still when society's words don't match its actions. For example, with an eye to the future in a fast changing world, the youth of today are advised to be creative, to think outside the square but when they do, they're quickly herded back into familiar parameters with four corners. The excuse is always 'for the good of the community'. But when young people, who are very much a part of the community, are not heard, confusion and frustration raise their heads and idle hands strike out at the so called 'communal good'.

The result in many communities is a graffiti problem, yet when the idea of an organized program to channel this energy is suggested, it's often shouted down by local authorities.  The 'community' says it changes nothing, it's a waste of ratepayers' money, it's not art, it doesn't help anyone, why bother. To many, these excuses seem valid however the facts suggest that in communities where structured programs for aerosol art operate, the graffiti problem is lessened if not obliterated. And when an organized youth art program extends beyond just 'art' to include informal lessons in such life skills as numeracy, literacy, even cooking, a real change for the better takes place. Accomplishments in these areas open up a curiosity about other avenues of learning and when a few successes raise self-esteem, new potentials, directions and opportunities are uncovered. It's a win/win situation for the young individual and the community as a whole.

In late 2001, the Swan City Youth Service, together with Midland College of TAFE, instigated a 'Learning Legends' program in an effort to reach out to young people at risk. They offered art related activities, one of which was an aerosol mural on the centre's building. Today both the mural and the program has grown, along with many of the young people who are exploring qualities found in themselves that no one bothered to point out.

I just attended an exhibition of aerosol art produced by some young artists from the above mentioned program. The exhibits involved panels and 44 gallon drums covered with layers of colours, coded words and figurative images. Civic dignitaries and representatives from major art organizations were in attendance and honestly impressed. Also present were many of the artists, young people who are no longer being chased by the police but sought after by art curators and collectors. Their works are well composed and executed, fine examples of creative expression and personal identity, and isn't that what art is supposed to about. The real talent owned by many of these young folk, besides art, is the ability to raise above personal chaos and social constructs to discover a sense of self. And they like what they've found, which augers well for the good of the community.

When government institutions are not holding it together, when too may 'problem' young folk are slipping through the widening gaps in the system, lateral thought and action is needed. The best place to look for an alternative form of problem solving is to listen to the people you're trying to help. This younger generation expresses themselves in their own forms of art, music and language, just as the generation before them did. And like the generation before them, their artistic statements will become the accepted cultural vernacular. Those 'olds' who try to hold it back, who deny youth the right to shape their own culture and community good are only wasting energy attempting to stay the inevitable.

I suggest the oldies listen to the language of the young people today, hear what they have to say. You will discover many are bright, caring people who are concerned about their community. They are the voices of the future and the future is theirs - and that's the whole point.