Sonja Basic
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Sonja is the General Manager of Propelarts, the peak body for youth arts, in Western Australia. She is responsible for managing the programs and services of the organisation to increase the profile of and participation in youth arts across the state.
Through Propelarts, Sonja helps to provide information, support, arts events and networking opportunities to young artists aged 12-26 years, as well as arts workers and cultural organisations. Most recently, Propelarts showcased local performers under 26 for the National Youth Week Launch in Perth, and provided funding for a puppetry theatre performance produced by young artists for the UNIMA Festival.
Hailing from Brisbane, Sonja studied journalism and international relations at the University of Queensland, graduating with honors’ in 2005 and holds experience as a researcher, projects coordinator and freelance journalist.
She has also studied abroad at the University of Tampere, Finland and The University of Hong Kong, China SAR and worked in France and Holland. After her time overseas, she accumulated some eclectic (but useful) experiences. They include teaching English at a teacher training college, editing travel guidebooks, volunteering with sea turtles and working for a war crimes tribunal.
A long-time advocate for youth arts and involvement, Sonja has volunteered with Vibewire Youth Services since 2005, most recently as a panelist for the E-festival of ideas. She also sits on the judging panel for the Blue Room theatre’s IN Deep season. From 2000 – 2003 she worked on youth community development and youth radio programs at home and abroad.
Sonja’s last experience in the theatre was receiving the drama award in high school. She looks forward to revisiting her past through ASSITEJ.