£60k boost for aspiring artists

An arts project that supports talented young people develop their interest and skills in the visual arts has secured a £60,000 grant, Powys County Council has announced.

Criw Celf provides opportunities for pupils to experience inspirational visual arts workshops.  The council’s Arts Service was successful in its application to the Arts Council for Wales, which will see the project continue until the end of 2017 as well as rolling out across Wales.

The project is delivered in partnership two other organisations. Newtown’s Oriel Davies Gallery deliver the project in north Powys while Arts Alive Wales deliver it in the south of the county.

Since it began, Criw Celf has provided experimental sessions facilitated by professional artists that are aimed at developing the skills and confidence of pupils and advocating creative qualifications.

Over 75 young people, with particular talent or interest in the visual arts, have been immersed in professionally led arts activities including visits to national exhibitions.

It has allowed participants to work with artist role models, who work professionally in the visual arts, gaining the skills, knowledge and experience to enable them to move forward to the next stage of the visual arts education with more confidence.

Cllr Graham Brown, Cabinet Member responsible for Arts and Culture, said: “I’m delighted that the Arts Council for Wales have provided this funding, which will allow the project to build on its achievements in encouraging able young people to develop artistic skills and produce some truly outstanding work.

“The project provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to take part in something quite special and it will increase their knowledge, confidence and experience in creating visual art, enabling some to take their interest to the next level.”

To find out more about Criw Celf, contact Lucy Bevan, the council’s Arts and Culture Commissioning Officer, on lucy.bevan@powys.gov.uk

PICTURE: Young artists and their work