Major package of arts and culture activities for young people set to launch across city after funding secured
A major three-year package of arts and culture activities for young people in Wolverhampton is set to launch across the city, after a partnership of local organisations secured almost £1 million in funding.
Led by Newhampton Arts Centre in Whitmore Reans, the investment from Arts Council England will be spent on a wide range of festivals, art trails and career opportunities – all designed with local youngsters in mind.
The funding bid, called Wolverhampton: City of Youth Culture, was submitted by a partnership that also included Wolverhampton Music Service, LearnPlay Foundation, Gazebo Theatre in Education (TIE) and Wolverhampton Council. The joint venture bagged £846,940 from the Arts Council’s Place Partnership Fund, with additional cash from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund bringing the total to £996,000.
Chief executive of Newhampton Arts Centre Trevelyan Wright said: “This is great news for young people in the city. Our proposal contained a very exciting programme of events and training programmes that will create a host of new opportunities for young people to get involved in cultural activities, pursue their passions, and develop new skills.
“Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Music Service, Gazebo TIE and
LearnPlay Foundation together represent many art-forms, from music and theatre to digital and gaming. It’s very exciting to be able to work together on such an ambitious project and make a real difference to the lives of young people in Wolverhampton.
“We’re delighted that Wolverhampton: City of Youth Culture has been awarded funding and we all look forward to starting the work.”
Events include an annual ‘Same Difference’ youth festival, the ‘Big Sing’ music project for Year 3 and Year 7 pupils, a visual arts trail co-designed with young
people and local artists, and pathways to creative careers, encouraging 18 to 25-year-olds to pursue a career in the creative industries.
Around 1,500 young people will be involved in co-designing and producing the activities which will engage with more than 23,000 children over the three years.
Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for children, young people and education, said: “This funding is brilliant news for children and young people in Wolverhampton. We have a fantastic arts and culture offer in the city but, along with our partners, we want to broaden it to reach and engage with younger people.
“The Wolverhampton: City of Youth Culture bid will allow us to do this, and help us deliver on our promise to give children and young people the best start in life.”