A comprehensive and diverse programme of arts focused training courses under the banner Skills for Creative Futures is being launched by Powys County Council.
Any volunteer, youth worker, professional or semi-professional arts practitioner who work with children and young people through the arts in Powys are eligible to take part. Between this November and March 2013, the programme features 10 different courses, most taking place in Llandrindod Wells, which aims to strengthen the arts in the county.
For those involved in youth theatres, a number of highly prestigious and nationally renowned companies are being brought in to deliver training.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for those involved in working with children and young people through the arts,” explained Powys County Council’s Senior Arts Officer Lucy Bevan.
“We’ve consulted widely over recent years about just what training is needed and not currently provided locally. We feel that this extensive programme takes a huge step forward towards addressing those needs with a view of making an impact on the quality of arts activities by up-skilling local providers.”
The first course sees Spymonkey Theatre Company presenting ‘A professional approach to Creating Performance’ on November 3 and 4. They will look at how to kick-start the seed of an idea then develop this through rehearsals and a devising process into a performance piece.
In January 2013, Bamboozle will be bringing their ‘Working with Children and Young People who have Special Needs’ into Powys, closely followed by ‘The Pursuit of Pleasure – Writing and Devising for Theatre’ with Told by an Idiot Theatre Company in February.
For YFCs and youth groups working to a tight budget, ‘Designing a Set on the Cheap!’ in December promises to show what can be achieved with minimal resources, effective techniques and a bit of imagination.
Other training includes Planning and Shaping Up Youth Arts Projects; Child Protection Foundation; Marketing on a Shoestring; and Budgeting and Fundraising Youth Arts Projects. Two of the courses, British Safety Council Level 2 Risk Assessment; and WorldHost – The Principles of Customer Service, are accredited and successful participants will receive relevant and recognised qualifications.
Support from the Arts Council of Wales has enabled the council to offer the training free of charge. There are only a limited number of places available on each course and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis with a reserve list for cancellations.
To find out more details and making bookings visit www.powys.gov.uk/skillsforcreativefutures, email arts@powys.gov.uk.
