The Secretary of the Presidency stated at the presentation of the application for the LabJovem Ccompetition 2009 yesterday that “the audacity and creativity of youngsters are not variables that depend on geography or in social factors, stressing that “in spite of living in the Azores we can still be among the best.”
André Bradford praised the quality of the jury that “qualifies” the competition which, according to him, is already “a solid success,” adding that its implementation “represents the commitment of the Azorean Government to enhance the potential of youngsters.”
The official in charge of the youth policy in the Azores explained the importance of Labjovem and the support awarded to this to this competition is also a commitment for the future as vehicle for individual expression, a training opportunity and a career option.
Moreover, the Regional Secretary emphasised the importance of “acknowledgement and valorisation of young artists” reminding that “in places far away from the main cultural centres, such as our archipelago, the pressures and difficulties that youngsters have to face in order to show their works and to integrate in the cultural sector are higher.”
As a response to these difficulties, André Bradford considers that exhibitions and competitions such as LabJovem were specifically created “to promote the external visibility of the Region so that the creative Azorean youngsters may have the opportunity to show their works.”
The Regional Secretary of the Presidency conveyed his satisfaction with regard to the results of LabJovem 2009, comparing them with last year’s results which, according to him, “goals have been fully accomplished: we have extended the number of areas in competition to which we have added the areas of architecture and Fashion Design; we have extended the competition to our emigrant communities.”
André Bradford also stressed the fact the applications have globally increased in almost all areas in competition such as, for example, the increase of “80 applications, representing over 60% comparing to the previous edition,” the increase of 115% in the number of competitors, who have risen to 126 this year,” or even the increase in the number of works presented on six of the eight Islands.”
However, the Secretary regretted the fact that the Corvo Island is not represented in the competition, but he stated that “certainly it will be represented in the third edition of LabJovem,” despite its reduced population. André Bradford believes that “the youth population of Corvo Island is a reason for hope.
The Regional Secretary praised the young Azoreans who “have demonstrated their quality not only at local initiatives, such as LabJovem, but also at initiatives abroad.” For André Bradford, this year was a good example as two young Azoreans are amongst the 100 most creative European youngsters.”
“We have talent, creativity, willingness and our youngsters have the necessary means to enhance their potential, the Regional Secretary said, recognising in some cases “one only needs audacity and a daring spirit” in order to go further.