Young people get the red carpet treatment 8 November 08
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Youngsters from across the city gathered last night for the premiere of a brand new arts DVD at the Star and Shadow Cinema. The DVD ‘Arts factory 2007 – the movie’ chronicles the moving and often amusing journey of local young people learning drama, dance and music over the summer and culminates in their performance on the stage at the Sage.
Around 60 young people, aged from 13-22, spent workshops during the summer learning dance, fashion, dj-ing, set design, videography and music such as drums and steel pans. Using their new-found skills and confidence, the young people worked together to develop a theme of East meets West for a sell-out show at the Sage, which featured hip-hop and Bollywood dancing. The theme was particularly pertinent to the group as it was based on their experiences of meeting other young people from different backgrounds, cultures and areas of the city.
The project was run by the city council’s Arts Development Team, who specialise in bringing the arts to disadvantaged communities. Project leader Cat Jarman said “It was fantastic working with so many young people who were new to the arts. They certainly put their heart and soul into the project and were really keen to learn new skills. It was also incredibly fulfilling to see their self-esteem and confidence improve and I think we may have some future performers amongst them!”
Head of Culture, Libraries & Lifelong Learning for Newcastle City Council, Tony Durcan said “The Arts Factory is evidence of the huge enthusiasm that young people in Newcastle have for participating in creative activity – and it shows what a wealth of talent there is in every community of the city. Young people are hugely important to the future of Newcastle and on this evidence the city is in safe hands”
The project was commissioned by Safe Newcastle’s Anti-Social Behaviour Arts forum to divert young people from anti-social behaviour, engage with them and to find a creative outlet for their energy. Many of the young people taking part had never been involved in the arts before or had the opportunity to experience these skills. “It makes you feel part of something bigger – makes you feel significant” said Jamie Slesser, one of the young people involved. Another performer Chloe Abbot said “It was a good thing to do as it gave you a lot of experience and helped you with your confidence.”
Safe Newcastle’s Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator said “Using the arts to reach young people and divert them away from anti-social behaviour is just one of the many ways that Safe Newcastle are tackling anti-social behaviour. This project gave the young people, from areas across the city, a positive focus during the summer. I think they should all be incredibly proud of themselves for their excellent performance.”
The project was a huge success and the Arts Development Team held the premiere as a thank you to the performers for their hard work and commitment and to showcase their achievements to the young people’s friends and family, who all certainly enjoyed seeing them on the big screen and the popcorn and red-carpet treatment.
The project was funded by the Arts Development Initiative in partnership with the Sage Gateshead and funded by Safe Newcastle, Newcastle Partnership and the Arts Council North East.
