Young Arts Leaders 2015-16, Quarter 2 - Outline of Activities
The Young Arts Leaders are showing a significant increase in their personal and professional confidence. They undertook workshops at the last residential weekend in; ‘What is your Agency’, ‘An Exploration of Your Arts Practice and Role in the Community’ and on-going ‘Arts Awards’ support. The focus and timing of the second residential weekend appears to have sparked real progress for the Young Arts Leaders, who have now increased the ambition of their community projects, in a way we had not foreseen. The Young Leaders are now individually motivated and in regular conversation with nationally recognised arts professionals who will assist them to use there art as a tool for change. These professionals are providing a raft of opportunities, including mentoring and regional support for the workshop delivery on their community projects. This support has made a huge impact on the Young Arts Leaders learning and development. Through an Applied Theatre approach the Young Arts Leaders are now focusing their regional projects towards a ‘line of enquiry’ that will explore their agency and role in the community together. Together we have found that this approach is leading to a higher level of engagement with partners in their region as well as the purpose and potential impact of their project. This ripple effect is set to continue and expand into the next quarter. We are also excited that many of the Young Arts Leaders are already exploring (and securing) longer-term investment in their ideas after the programme. Over the next few pages we have captured an outline of the activities on the Young Arts Leaders programme during this quarter, which helped support their development.
Supporting young advocates to engage in the design of targeted development projects
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Skills development sessions delivered on arts facilitation, delivery of creative presentations, public speaking and an exploration of agency.
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3 Young Arts leaders making applications to external funding organisations to further realise the ambitions of their projects.
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Young Arts leaders receiving funding for their individual projects from 02 Think Big, the Mary Leishman foundation.
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Young Arts Leaders receiving additional and external support from The National Theatre of Scotland, The Beacon Arts Centre, The Tron Theatre, Blue Parrot, Scottish Drama Training Network and Horsecross theatre.
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Young Leaders initiating projects in 6 local authorities across Scotland.
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One completed arts project in Perth and Kinross in collaboration with Horsecross Theatre due to an opportunity to collaborate with professional youth theatre artist.
Developing participant knowledge, confidence and ability through high quality activities that increase creative, advocacy and engagement skills
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Deliver of Skills weekend 3 at Callander Youth Hostel, September 2015
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Delivery of an additional Skills Development Day at Summerhall, August 2015.
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Young Arts Leaders work with additional 3 facilitators.
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Visit to Edinburgh Fringe to see showcased work of 2 mentors.
Recognising young people’s progress and commitment through formal and informal processes
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7 - 1 to 1 individual Gold Arts Awards sessions.
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Young Arts Leaders create and deliver individual arts projects as part of Gold Arts Award.
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Continued online reflection and collaboration activities.
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6 Young Arts Leaders have undertaken work placements with industry professionals for a minimum of 35 hours.
Engaging an inspiring group of young advocates on a regular basis and over a sustained period a period of time •
Young Arts Leaders sustaining engagement in the programme and connected opportunities
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Young Arts Leaders received 21 mentor sessions since June.
Promoting Scotland's young people as confident, committed and intelligent emerging artists
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Young Arts Leaders developing regional connectivity and relationships.
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Young Arts Leaders work is engaged and promoted by local Youth Arts Hubs
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The Children’s Commissioner for Children and Young People celebrates one of the Young Arts Leader’s work through their national communications and artwork featured in their annual report.
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2 Young arts leaders in discussions with national arts organisations about the legacy and future developments of their created projects.
Young Arts Leaders Evidence of participants developing confidence in their skills and developing aspirations for further learning and development
“It makes me so proud to be part of this phenomenal project, had my bumps but always come out the other side with more support and pride, we are the future lets inspire Scotland!” Josh Ford, Fife “No matter what your background or your area or the opportunities you have had up until now, we can stand together as young arts leaders and represent the future. We are passionate, driven and creative in our vision to provide other young people an opportunity to engage with the arts that we all love so much. I have been inspired by all my fellow YALs … we've worked together collaboratively to better ourselves and support each other. We'll be on to a winner!” Colleen Garrett, North Ayrshire “I think the strongest times of the process so far has been when we're all working in a group together!“ Chris Patrick, Inverclyde “The end of project presentations (will be) a chance for us to acknowledge how important the process has been as a group in shaping our individual achievements.” Stephanie Boyle, Glasgow
Next Quarter Plans 2015-16, Quarter 3 - Key Activities 1. Continued online reflection and collaboration activities with peer and professional support. 2. Delivery and completion of 6 regional projects widening access to arts provision and development. 3. Continued 1:1 Gold Arts Award tutorials. 4. Arts Award moderation day. 5. Completion of Arts Awards. 6. 21 mentor sessions to be delivered. 7. 7 mentor observation and feedback sessions delivered of the Young Arts Leaders running their own project sessions. 8. Young Arts Leaders hosting and showcasing their experience and regional projects with professionals at the November Celebration Day in the Grassmarket Project in Edinburgh 9. Young Arts Leaders engaging in wider youth advocacy opportunities at Youth Theatre Arts Scotland’s national Symposium and Chrysalis festival. 10. Evaluation and Reflection Day planned for early 2016 to explore the structure of the programme and the individual learning experiences of those involved. 11. Young Arts Leaders Professional Development and Exit Strategy Day planned for early 2016. 12. Publishing a mini documentary film which showcases the role of the Young Arts Leaders, the impact of the programme on their development and the ripple effect for their communities.