The Arts Council has worked very closely with the Department of Education and Children to formulate the Island of Culture youth engagement programme, with schools so far being involved in writing workshops from Chris Ewan and dance workshops from Qdos Creates, as well as many projects at individual schools such as fashion shows and photography competitions.
The Youth Arts Forum will become part of the wide range of creative activities already on offer at the Department of Education and Children’s Youth Arts Centre and will provide a direct link for young people to help shape the Arts Council’s future policy for youth arts on the Isle of Man. It is intended that the forum will continue into the future and become part of the legacy of Island of Culture. This activity will be a Children’s University learning destination and the invitation to join the forum will be extended via Secondary School Councils.
The launch event will take place 4pm-6pm on 20 March at the Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas. Anyone interested in joining can attend to find out more about what is involved and sign up to become a member of the forum. Manx Radio will broadcast live from the event, showcasing some of the performers at the Youth Arts Centre.
Geoff Corkish MBE MLC, Chairman of the Arts Council, said:
“The Arts Council places great value on having a Youth Arts Forum. We have begun planning our new arts strategy which will commence in 2015 and it is vital we have the input of young people to ensure we are targeting the areas which benefit our community the most. While Island of Culture is the perfect time to establish such a forum we do intend this will continue as a lasting legacy and provide a permanent voice for young people with the Arts Council.”
Official communications partner for Island of Culture, Manx Telecom are sponsoring the Youth Arts Forum during 2014.
Voirrey Barron, Marketing Communications Manager for Manx Telecom, said:
“Manx Telecom is proud to be official communications partner for Island of Culture and, in particular, sponsor of the Youth Arts Forum. We see this as an opportunity to support a project which not only encourages young people to engage in helping to shape our community, but also provides the Island with a legacy beyond the year of culture. This partnership aligns perfectly with continued investment in the local community and youth market.”
Fiona Helleur, Head of Youth Arts, Department of Education and Children, said:
“The Youth Arts Centre is delighted to be part of this project as our aim has always been to reflect the attitudes, ideas and dreams of young people. We create a vibrant environment for learning that is uniquely anchored in the arts, celebrating experimentation, expression and discovery, nurturing artistic talent and developing leaders who will draw on their creativity to enrich society. We hope the Youth Arts Forum will become the voice of young people on the Isle of Man taking charge of where they want the arts to go in the future."
For further information about the Youth Arts Forum and the launch event on 20 March 2014 telephone +44 1624 694598 or email iomartscouncil@gov.im.
For more information about Island of Culture visit www.islandofculture.im or telephone +44 1624 694598.
