Eden Court is launching a major new youth arts project thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme.
‘Futures Studio’ is a youth-led project that aims to be a transformative experience for young people in the Highlands and Moray who are facing complex challenges in their lives. The project will help young people build their skills and confidence through taking part in creative activities and enabling them to pursue further education or to develop careers in the creative industries.
The young people will have opportunities to learn and practice filmmaking, sound design, music production, photography and performance, working with professional artists who will help them find the artform that inspires them. They will develop their skills in their chosen artform and can choose to progress towards accreditation in Youth Scotland Awards.
The participants of the Futures Studio sessions will also have the opportuntiy to produce two special events at Eden Court, providing valuable work experience in event management, marketing and technical theatre.
Lucy McGlennon, Eden Court’s Head of Engagement, said:
“We know from our experience of working with at risk young people that taking part in creative activities can have a very positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. We hope that Futures Studio will help the young people recognise their own talents and play a part in raising their aspirations for the future. We are very grateful to have received the support of Young Start to provide this important opportunity in the Highlands.
The Futures Studio programme will run for three years and is expected to benefit more than 70 young people from across the region.