Tag: virtual festival

Youth arts and creativity to be celebrated in virtual festival

UNCON 3.0 is the third iteration of a biannual festival, designed for and by young people, celebrating the best in youth arts and creativity in Scotland.

The coronavirus pandemic has had an enormous impact on every aspect of children and young people’s lives, including on art provision, and their opportunities to participate and progress within the arts, screen and creative industries.

During the virtual UNCON on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 January 2021, partners from across the youth arts sector will share reflections on the challenges of the past year and consider how children’s voices and aspirations can be heard in the recovery process.

The partner organisations are: Media Education, Intercultural Youth Scotland,  Collective, Arts End of Somewhere/PAMIS, Glasgow Connected Arts Network, Starcatchers, Fèis Rois/Highland Youth Arts Hub and CELCIS. 

The programme will feature a mix of pre-filmed and live performances, presentations and panel discussions, artwork and manifestos created by children and young people.

Children, young people, policy makers and anyone with an interest in children and young people’s rights are invited to join the conversation. The programme includes live events which are free to access. Full details of the programme and information about how to register is available on the Creative Scotland website. 

Fiona Dalgetty, Fèis Rois said: “Young people from Fèis Rois and the Highland Youth Arts Hub have taken part in every UNCON to date, and we are excited to participate online this year.

“Overcoming the challenging move to a digital event, the team at Creative Scotland have put together an ambitious programme and we are excited for the audience to see the video our young people have created.”

Katie Brennan, Collective said: “For this year’s UNCON, we’ve been working in partnership with Edinburgh Young Carers on a postal project, asking young people to reflect on their experiences of lockdown and hopes for the future through mail art.

“We look forward to UNCON as a space in which the hopes, concerns and priorities of young people from all backgrounds will be heard by organisations and policy makers.”

Paul Sullivan of CELCIS said “We know the importance of creativity in helping children and young people to develop new skills, express themselves and have fun. COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on every aspect of children and young people’s lives, including their opportunities to access creativity.

“Our hope for UNCON is that through showcasing the creative skills of a number of talented care experienced young people and projects, we can further highlight the need for creative opportunities to be protected for children and young people all across Scotland.”

Sarah Mcadam, Time to Shine Manager, Creative Scotland said: “As with so many things, the lead in to this UNCON has felt very different to previous years. We know that the coronavirus will continue to have a significant impact on children and young people’s futures and it’s more important than ever to make sure we are listening to what is important to their lives.

“As this UNCON takes place at the beginning of a new decade, we look forward to working with a youth arts sector that meets these challenges head-on and continues to support Scotland’s children and young people to thrive in and through the arts and creativity.”

UNCON 3.0 is an outcome of Time to Shine – Scotland’s National Youth Arts Strategy. 

Walk the Walk’s SunWalk Festival: Real fun in the virtual world!

Grant-making breast cancer charity Walk the Walk has announced a week long Virtual SunWalk Festival to be held from 8th – 15th August.

This really is a virtual event with a difference, there is a walking challenge to suit everybody of any ability or age, tips and advice on how to achieve the goal and a DIY Festival Kit to download … not to mention lots of inspiration and motivation!

The charity will provide those signing up with lots of downloadable fun ideas, recipes for healthy snacks, including delicious lollies and smoothies, bunting and games to play.

Everybody can start planning and getting creative, maybe taking part in one of the shorter distances and finishing with a romantic picnic for two, a BBQ with family or friends or involving young children in the activities, following government guidelines, of course.

Women, men and children are being encouraged to sign up and make the SunWalk Festival Experience a special date in their summer diaries. What a wonderful way to get fitter and get rid of lockdown fatigue plus have fun and at the same time raise money to help cancer charities working on the front line – every mile walked and every penny raised will make a difference.

Walk the Walk has committed to making £20,000 Emergency Grants every month until the end of the year to charities who are struggling to keep going.

Walkers can choose between a 5k,10k, Half Marathon (13.1 miles, 21k) and a Full Marathon (26.2 miles, 42k) or for those that want an extra bite … a 100k challenge to walk in one go or over the 7 days. As a reward for completing the challenge, walkers will receive a downloadable certificate and a fantastic medal.

With experts predicting the return of COVID-19 in the autumn, there is no better time to get fit and healthy. By taking part in the Virtual SunWalk Festival, not only will people be improving their physical health but their mental health too.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “Walk the Walk is famous for not just organising events, but experiences, so we wanted our Virtual Challenges to have that same unique flavour.

“Raising money at this time is vital for us, but after months of self-isolating and social distancing, this is an opportunity for families and friends to come together and have fun, whilst doing so much good for those with cancer.

“By having an event that has 5 different challenges, there really is something for every age and ability. I hope that we can inspire many people to get back into shape by walking. The SunWalk Festival really is where virtual meets reality, people can let their imaginations run wild, come together and share a new positive experience whilst getting fitter!”

Due to the coronavirus, Walk the Walk have sadly postponed some of their events including The MoonWalk London, The MoonWalk Scotland and The MoonWalk Iceland.

Visit www.walkthewalk.org for updates and to find out more about the charity.