Vital Arts

New research emerging from the Vital Arts project highlights the transformative potential of creative, co-produced methodologies.
Published in the Journal of Applied Youth Studies by Associate Professor Rimi Khan, this article builds on collaborative work with young people, demonstrating how arts-based practices can challenge exclusionary norms but also occur in contexts where diversity is commodified in problematic ways. Creative approaches can open up pathways into employment, confidence-building and social change by challenging entrenched prejudice, but can also involve the commodification of cultural difference which is a limited and problematic model.

At a time when higher education and arts provision face increasing pressure, this research underscores what is at stake: not only access to creative practice, but access to voice, agency, and genuine recognition.

📄 Read the article here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43151-026-00211-7



RMIT University Deakin University Maynooth University Australian Research Council The Push Clock Your Skills Creative Australia

Diversity, Credibility and Cultural Labour as ‘Skill’: Racialised Experiences of Young People in the Creative Industries - Journal of Applied Youth Studies This article investigates how diversity agendas in the creative industries shape systems of value and credibility for racialised young workers. It asks whe

New micro-credentials recognise 21st-century skills gained through youth arts programs Young people who participate in arts programs develop highly sought-after workplace skills – and now they have a way to prove it.

New micro-credentials recognising youth arts skills are here!

We’re excited to share that RMIT University and partners have launched an innovative suite of micro-credentials that formally recognise the 21st-century skills young people gain through participation in arts programs. These credentials celebrate the real-world competencies developed through creative practice — like critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, initiative, persistence, leadership, and cultural awareness — and make them visible to employers, educators and communities. 

For many young creatives, arts engagement has been where they’ve learnt real transferable skills. Now there’s a way to validate and showcase that experience. Rather than requiring extra academic study, these micro-credentials are awarded based on participation and practice, strengthening the bridge between arts involvement and future career pathways. 

This initiative reflects a broader recognition that work-ready skills aren’t confined to traditional classrooms but are built in diverse, lived experiences — including in the arts. 

👉 Learn more and see how these credentials are supporting young people to showcase their capabilities for education and employment opportunities. 

New micro-credentials recognise 21st-century skills gained through youth arts programs Young people who participate in arts programs develop highly sought-after workplace skills – and now they have a way to prove it.

Thank you so much to our amazing community for coming to the launch of our micro credentials today. VITAL ARTS is now open for business! We hope to work with you in recognising the transferrable skills that young people have! You can get in contact with us by emailing [email protected]

Youth arts programs don’t just build artistic talent, they grow the skills young people need to thrive in a fast-changing and AI-driven world. JOIN US, tomorrow, Dec 10th from 3-5pm, upstairs as we launch the micro-credentials powered by accompanied by our podcast and playbook. We will be joined by and and a ton of talent.

What are these cool creatives doing? 🤔 They are preparing to launch 3 brand new micro creds!!!

🌟 Introducing the 3 Vital Arts Micro-Creds! 🌟
Develop your creative practice, get recognised for the skills you already use, and open a pathway to higher qualifications — all through your own creative practice! The creds are:

✨ 1. Collaborator
Build your capacity to work meaningfully with others, communicate with clarity, and co-create in diverse arts environments.

🧩 2. Problem Solver
Showcase your ability to think critically, adapt, and navigate real-world challenges in creative projects.

🤝 3. Supportive Colleague
Demonstrate the everyday practices of care, respect, and professionalism that make creative work possible.

These micro-credentials recognise practice-based learning, validate the expertise you’ve gained through work and lived experience, and are certified by CLOCK your skills. They also provide a pathway into further CLOCK your skills qualifications.

Whether you’re an emerging artist, community worker, creative leader, or youth work practitioner: these creds are designed to lift you up and help your skills shine. ✨

👉 Learn more and start your cred journey at our launch on Dec 10th 3-5pm

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Fantastic sector expert boot camp today with Clock Your Skills in the RMIT Digital Ethnography Research Centre Tammy Wong Hulbert Anna Catherine Hickey-Moody