tbC is an artist-run initiative based in the community. Like traditional community art practices, it is socially accessible and welcoming. However, what distinguishes tbC from other examples is the group’s primary focus on dedicated arts practice and the development of creative careers.
Young members of tbC often complain that community arts programming disproportionately focuses on their at-risk status and their educational, health and welfare needs, as opposed to their artistic needs and talent. tbC experiments with publishing, public, digital and exhibition practices via a collaborative arts model that focuses on making and presenting art. This dedicated arts model engages young creatives in sophisticated artistic practices that result in earlier artistic agency and status and earlier artworld engagement.
tbC’s model still produces positive community, informal learning and health and wellbeing outcomes as it naturally builds confidence, self-worth and meaning. However, this is not tbC’s primary goal. Artistic practice and presentation are the primary goals of tbC’s practice.