Breaking into creative industries can be tough. NOISE (www.noise.net) is a youth arts initiative using technology to make things a little easier.

NOISE helps develop up and coming artists by providing a virtual space to display their work.

Artists submit their work online – anything from film, fashion, music to industrial design. “In fact, pretty much anything we can get our hands on,” says, NOISE producer, Emily Collins.

"It’s pretty hard for artists, in general, to get their work published and its even more difficult for young unknowns” says Emily. “A lot of them are just ecstatic to get their work out there."

In conjuction with its media and commercial partners, NOISE also runs a series of awards and competitions, including the Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA), the ReachOUT! billboard competition and 25/25, an award showcasing the top 25 visual artists under 25 years.

“At the 25/25 launch, a number of photographers from all over Australia met face to face.” says Emily. “They now run projects together. What started online has eventually translated into real life.”

One of the 25/25 finalists was 18 year old illustrator Sam Shepherd. The Newcastle schoolboy first exhibited his work through deviantART, moving onto NOISE as an entrant in the 2005 SOYA awards.

“NOISE has certainly opened doors, both as a method of communicating and networking with other artists, and as a way of getting my art recognised.” says Sam.

Feedback encourages young artists like Sam to keep working. “I get people emailing me with really positive feedback. People who really know what their doing and know about the art world, who are really supportive of young artists.”

Acting as a talent agency is another way the initiative gives young artists a leg-up.

“Using our network of industry contacts, we’re able to link young artists to paid work and further exposure.” says Emily, who manages the 5,000-odd artists from over 60 countries currently on NOISE’s books.

“Recently MTV called asking if we could recommend a photographer for a project. We know where the new up and coming talent is and can find the right person for the job. That really works for creative industries.”

“And it makes being an artist just that little bit easier.”

Find out what all the NOISE is about at: www.noise.net.