Budding young artists, dancers and musicians are amongst hundreds of young people across Scotland today celebrating a £1.8 million cash boost that will empower them to develop their skills and talents through a range of creative projects.
Five Edinburgh-based organisations have received funding in the latest round of grants. These include The Yard (£90,000), Canongate Youth (£84,000) and Fruitmarket Gallery (£100,000).
The cash from the Young Start fund goes to 28 youth led groups which help young Scots to build their confidence and play an active part in realising their potential. See a full list of projects here.
Amongst those celebrating today is Lyra, a community based arts organisation in Craigmillar, Edinburgh which receives £82,728 to deliver a range of user led arts activities that will culminate in young people designing, commissioning and delivering 12 of their own unique music and dance performances.
Creative Director, Jo Timmins said: “We are so excited to receive funding to continue our ‘Connecting’ project. Our aim is to enable the young people to take a leadership role over the next three years and we look forward to seeing how this develops.
“The young people will broaden their horizons through working with professional artists and companies and they will write their own music, choreograph their own dances and so much more. It’s been great to see them realise how talented they are and I can’t wait to see how their confidence grows further as they lead the project.”
Young people in transition between child and adult mental health services will be able to take part in creative art and crafts sessions, as PKAVS mental health and well-being picks up an award of £57,100 to deliver their Lost in Transition project.
One of the young people whose life has been turned around by the project is young carer, Christine, from Perth. She said: “I’m so happy that PKAVS has received funding to continue as it means that more young people like me can be helped.”
“I was referred to PKAVS through the young adult carer service. I’ve been a full-time carer for my mum since I was 7 years old and I’ve found this extremely hard. Before joining I wasn’t doing anything other than looking after my mum which was difficult. I felt isolated, stressed and life was just a mess. Most of all I felt guilty and angry at myself because I felt I couldn’t look after my mum properly.”
“Now I have much more confidence and I’ve learned to be more trusting. I have also learned that I’m quite creative, which is something I never would have thought before. I take part in arts and crafts sessions and I really enjoy doodle art. I’ve been asked to draw on canvas for someone and I’ve also designed my next tattoo! I’m now doing a 12 week Princes Trust programme, which I wouldn’t be doing if it weren’t for PKAVS!”
In Edinburgh, The Fruitmarket Gallery will bring young people and professional artists together to deliver ‘Fresh Fruit’ a co-produced programme of activities and cultural learning events, thanks to an award of £99,903.
Dr Fiona Bradley, Director of Fruitmarket Gallery, said: “Young Start’s commitment of three-year funding for Fresh Fruit, our youth led programme, will enable young people to work together and with artists to co-produce a range of creative activities to support their wellbeing, develop skills and build connections. We are pleased to be able to provide creative opportunities to more young people, including those who face barriers to accessing culture.”
Meanwhile Beatroute Arts will provide music workshops and other creative activities for young people in the North East of Glasgow, thanks to an award of £69,300, while Oi Musica CIC in Edinburgh picks up £15,568 to provide free music taster sessions in brass and street-drumming for up to 300 budding young musicians.
Young Start is delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund and awards dormant bank and building society cash to youth led projects.
Announcing today’s funding, totalling £1,864,384, National Lottery Community Fund, Chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “Young Start helps ensure that Scotland’s next generation have the best chance by providing them with opportunities to develop their untapped talent and reach their potential.
“All of today’s successful projects are designed to engage and inspire young people to follow their dreams while building practical skills and confidence for the future. I am delighted to announce this latest investment totalling £1,864,384.”
Groups wanting to know more about Young Start should visit
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/young-start
or contact 0300 123 7110.
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