Let's Get Righteous

Founded by Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV), the annual Righteous forum is an open, free, youth-driven forum providing a space for young people to present and discuss ideas, stories and share their thoughts on culturally diverse, unique issues. This year’s instalment, Rights At The Round Table, will again be at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, offering five hours of provocative thinking, performances and discussions as well as workshops.

Manirakiza, a former refugee and part of emerging rap duo FLYBZ, says the arts are a powerful medium to connect with youth and can provide young people with a much needed voice. 

“The main principle of Righteous is to encourage positive youth participation and leadership and to reflect an authentic contemporary youth voice in Melbourne,” he explains. “[We] actively target young people to provide them with youth driven and youth-specific arts and cultural activities to explore issues they have identified as significant in their communities.”

Currently working as one of MAV’s Youth Officers, Manirakiza is very excited about this year’s show and the ability of the Fringe Festival to facilitate the messages and ideas that he and Righteous want to project.

“The topics for show were chosen by the MAV Righteous Youth Steering Committee which includes over ten young artists and cultural leaders from emerging refugee and Indigenous Australian backgrounds. The day itself goes beyond an interactive panel discussion to utilising the arts with a range of creative workshops. There is something for everyone.

Righteous: Rights At The Roundtable
28 Sep, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Fringe Club, North Melbourne Town Hall