Involvement In The Arts
Be creative and have some fun! Express yourself and communicate your feelings and ideas through the many different arts opportunities which exist. For details of events, activities, training, funding and disability guide contact: Arts Council England, Yorkshire, 21 Bond Street,Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, WF13 1AX Tel: 0845 300 6200 Fax: 01924 466522 Textphone: 01924 438585
www.arts.org.uk www.artscouncil.org.uk
If there is a Youth Arts Forum in your area contact them first, because they can give you local information and the opportunity to link with other young people, youth workers and arts workers to develop ideas and projects. Also contact your local Youth Service or Leisure Services.
Music
If you want to learn to play an instrument, find out about evening classes in your area. If you’ve got a band or you would like to get a band together and you are short of practice space, contact your local Youth or Community Centre. You could also try recording a demo and sending it to a local radio station which plays your kind of music.
Drama
You can go to theatres cheaper as a group or by buying last minute, standby tickets. Join a local amateur dramatics group or consider forming your own group. You may be able to get help from your local Youth Centre. If you join the National Association of Youth Theatres, you will be able to get free advice and access to their script library. For more details contact:
National Association of Youth Theatres (NAYT)
The Arts Centre
Vane Terrace
Darlington
DL3 7AX
Tel: 01325 363330
www.nayt.org.uk
Film
If you are interested in making a film or video, again contact your local Youth Centre or Leisure Services who may be able to help you or contact:
British Film Institute
21 Stephen Street
London
W1P 1LN
Tel: 020 7255 1444
To find out details of short courses on film making.
E-mail: library@bfi.org.uk
www.bfi.org.uk
Dance
There are many different forms of dance activities available which take place in a number of Community, Youth and Leisure Centres or through Adult and Further Education. You can also contact your local dance school. Have a look in Yellow Pages.
Radio
Many community/local/hospital radio stations offer opportunities for young people to be trained as presenters or to act as volunteers. You should not expect to have instant access to the airwaves but you may gain valuable experience from being in a broadcasting environment.
Do It Yourself
If there is nothing in yur area which interests you, why not start something yourself? Talk to your friends and see if any of them are interested in helping you. You are likely to need access to resources, information, funding and premises. Use your local Information Services, Youth Service or Leisure Services for help and advice as a group you can also apply for funding from the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) for particular projects, contact your local youth service for details. If you are unemployed or have difficulty in taking the next step because of a lack of money, contact the Prince’s Trust for help.
