Young Arts We are passionate about the Arts and believe they play a crucial part in many aspects of a young person’s development. The overall aim of our Young Arts programme is to encourage local young people to enjoy and participate in a wide range of artistic activities. We do this by identifying and supporting local initiatives and organisations which provide opportunities to take part in, and develop a lasting enthusiasm for, the Arts. Local schools In recognition of the crucial part that our local schools play in arts provision for local young people in a time when school budgets have been subject to cuts, we endeavour to help schools by identifying with them areas where our support will be most effective. We recognise that there have been huge cuts in funding to schools for the Arts from government in recent years. We also acknowledge that our local schools are where children from East Grinstead are given the greatest opportunities to develop a wide range of knowledge and skills in all aspects of the Arts. This is why they are the main recipients of our funding. Examples of how our funding has been used in schools over the past 2 years include the following: Sackville School Art - The materials for 4 murals, each one depicting an inspirational man or woman from recent history and each one linked to one of the school’s communities (houses). The murals were produced during sessions of the after school art club and are now complete.
- The subject leader for Art made reference to securing funding from TASEG as part of her application for the Artsmark award.
Music A set of 4 djombe drums for the music department which will contribute to a whole class set, and help towards introducing GCSE music at the school. Drama - For the Drama Department we funded paint so that the whole stage, setting and backdrops would enhance future drama productions including their annual show which involves a large number of students.
Imberhorne School - Funding for the school’s participation in the Artbytes competition for two consecutive years in which they were regional winners.
The Meads Primary School - Funding for the school’s participation in the Artbytes competition. Their entries have been judged and the winning entry is now displayed on the Artbytes virtual gallery along with those from schools throughout the country.
- A half day singing workshop from West Sussex Music.
Lingfield Primary School We have agreed to provide funding to enhance art provision through the acquisition of materials to enable the introduction of 3d art work. West Dean College - Every year we provide funding of £150 for a prize “to recognise the outstanding achievement of a West Dean student. Importantly, the Young Arts Officer is invited to attend the Scholars’ Reception to meet the prize winner and see their work.
Copthorne Scouts and Guides - The Scouts and Guides organisation provides numerous arts, crafts, music, drama activities for local young people. The annual Gang Show gives hundreds of children opportunity to perform, help with scenery and costumes and many more creative activities. This is against a backdrop of immense financial challenges over the past 2 years which meant the show had to be cancelled as they could no longer meet the cost of the venue. Undaunted, they have found a new venue at Ardingly show ground. We have given them a grant to help with the costs of setting up the new venue so that this year’s show will now take place.
|