A member of Rhondda Cynon Taf's Young 'Get Fresh' project, Arts Council of Wales will be launching two Youth Arts Strategies, developed in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf and Blaenau Gwent, at the Senedd Building on the 30 March 2009.
In October 2005 a seminar was held to celebrate the success of the Local Authority Youth Arts Pilot Projects, initially established in 2001. The aim of the pilots was to develop a strategy for the cross-sector delivery of youth arts activities within a local authority area, through a two -year pilot project.
The seven pilots (Gwynedd, Anglesey, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Monmouthshire and Powys) worked in many different ways; some used the investment to create practical activities for young people whilst others encouraged existing provision to look strategically at youth arts within their community.
Following the seminar and the success of the initial partnerships, it was decided to offer funding for a further two projects. These were called Youth Arts Strategic Partnerships (YASP's).
Following an open-application process, two YASP's were awarded. One went to Rhondda Cynon-Taf and the other to Blaenau Gwent. In awarding these local authorities Diane Hebb, the Arts Council's Head of Planning and Development, said:
"Both local authorities have demonstrated a real commitment to working with young people within their developments and have shown exciting methods in which to engage the young people to take part in artistic events."
The partnerships are based on the initial aims of the pilots and look again at developing a coordinated strategy for youth arts provision within a local authority area. The partnerships put young people at the centre of strategic development and demonstrate an inspirational approach to sustaining a youth arts strategy post Arts Council of Wales investment.
Caroline O'Neill, Arts Development Officer, (Learning and Inclusion), Rhondda Cynon Taf Cultural Services, said:
"There is a wealth of creative talent here in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The new youth arts plan - Inspiring Creativity - will hopefully give our younger residents more opportunities to showcase and develop that fantastic talent."
Councillor Jason Owen, Blaenau Gwent Council's Executive Member for Leisure and Culture added:
"We are very excited that Blaenau Gwent's commitment to the arts and to youth services that effectively engage with young people are being recognised. This Arts Council for Wales initiative is making a real impact in other areas of Wales and we look forward to fostering the talent of our youth in the same way."
During the Senedd launch, the young people of Rhondda Cynon Taf and Blaenau Gwent will perform live in the presence of Keith Towler, the Children's Commissioner for Wales; Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, AM and guests.