FOR the fourth time, the Australian Talented Youth Project is running in Canberra right now and will conclude with a slap-up, concert finale at Parliament House on February 10.

The brainchild of Canberra music educationist Dr Jolanta Gallagher, the project sees young people aged 15 to 23 from the NT, Queensland, Tasmania, WA, NSW and the ACT converging on the ANU School of Music for a week-long residential program.

This year, Dr Gallagher tells us, the focus will be on contemporary and Aboriginal dance, jazz and classical singing with digital arts and elements of poetry, led by soprano Louise Page, jazz players John Mackey and Miroslav Bukovsky, dancers Liz Lea and Alison Plevey and digital artist Jean-Philippe Desmarais.

Among the participants are two young Aboriginal dancers, one from Cairn and one from Lesmurdie, WA, as well as a classical singer from Alice Springs.

All the young artists will engage in free experimental work and visits to galleries, art studios, concerts and dance performances and sessions in community leadership, producing and marketing.

Established in Canberra during 2006 under the patronage of Sir William and Lady Deane, the Talented Youth Project has seen 51 young artists benefit from such programs, in which they are matched with high-calibre mentors.

Among the 51 alumni since 2006 are some outstanding successes, most notably Charlotte Martin, a young dancer from a small town in WA, who became a principal in two Cirque du Soleil seasons in New York, and toured with the company in the US and Canada. As well, about 30 per cent of the participating students end up at the ANU School of Music or School of Art. So, as Dr Gallagher says, the project also promotes Canberra as a vibrant cultural centre.

Australian Talented Youth Project performance, Parliament House, 4.15pm (allow time for parking and security), February 10. Free admission, no bookings required, all welcome.