Launched this month, Arts Council England?s new Arts Award is the first accredited youth arts scheme that recognises the development of young artists and arts leaders. It will offer young people aged 11 to 25 the chance to enjoy the arts whilst leading projects in the community geared towards building skills for active citizenship and developing self-confidence.
Designed to appeal to a wide range of young people with different backgrounds and cultural interests, the award will be run by arts organisations, schools, youth arts projects, youth clubs or community groups. The initiative will train teachers, youth workers and arts workers as young people?s Arts Award advisers.
The Arts Award provides opportunities for collaborative work and leadership that will promote young people?s broader personal development. Evidence gathered from participants in the two-year pilot of the scheme shows that they are very enthusiastic about this part of the award.
Every participant gets to go to arts events, meet local artists and visit arts organisations. In school settings, many are working with younger year groups or going out to primary schools. Young people decide which artform to explore, new or familiar, and what they want to achieve: whether it is improving their photography skills, discovering opera, or learning the basics of breakdancing. They each follow a personalised path of learning, which they themselves design to suit their aspirations.
The young people?s Arts Award can be taken at three levels ? Bronze, Silver or Gold ? which are accredited at the National Qualifications Framework levels one, two and three. Uniquely, the award celebrates the creative progress made by young people, and not just their artistic skill. By April 2006 it is expected that Arts Award centres will be up and running throughout the country, supported by nine regional agencies in each Government Office region.
The Arts Award is run by Arts Council England and Trinity Guildhall examinations. Canon (UK) Ltd is the supporting partner.
For further information on the Awards, e: artsawardregister@artscouncil.org.uk;
t: 0845 300 6200
