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Bright Sparks for the Arts
Bringing young people together to promote the arts in Somerset. A diverse group of young people, between the ages of 11 and 19 have come together from across the county to promote creative opportunities for the youth of Somerset. YAP (Young Art Promoters) are holding their first event FUSED at The Brewhouse on Monday 12 April. The event is free and is open to all young people across Somerset. Working in conjunction with professional mentors and with the support of SPAEDA (Somerset Arts Education Partnership) and The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, YAP are set to become expert arts promoters as they go all-out to get as many young people as possible involved in FUSED and future projects. Following their participation in a series of intensive workshops the team of seven are now ready to use their new found skills to spread the word. The group have a varied mix of interests and experiences and together form an inspirational team. Kelly (18) from Taunton, has worked on similar projects with The Brewhouse Youth Advisory Panel, bringing her previous experience and appreciation of film and theatre production. Jodie-Louise (16) from Taunton has natural leadership qualities and loves thinking outside the box to solve problems. Willow (17) from Taunton brings her energetic and vibrant networking skills to the table, ensuring that everyone knows what’s going on. Sophie (17) from Curry Rivel brings her radical and original thinking to the planning and organisation process. Briony (15) from Williton brings her artistic and creative out-spoken self to each meeting. Oliver (11) from South Petherton brings his natural talent for illustration to the team. Alex (19) from Horton brings all things music and performance related to the group as well as his experience of events organisation and planning nationally. For one day only, young people all over Somerset can call The Brewhouse their own, with a series of energetic workshops taking place in and around the theatre on April 12th. One of Europe’s most dynamic and creative performance and production companies, Cirque Bijou, will be running a series of workshops in beat boxing, V-Jing, and circus performing; designed to inspire and enthuse. So, if you’re a young person and you think performing arts is old fashioned, boring and trapped inside a stuffy auditorium then come along and be proven wrong as the YAP team take performance inside, outside and bang up to date. For those less theatre shy, you may have attended last summer’s Re:Generation festival; which sparked off this exciting pilot. FUSED is also an event organised by young people for young people. It’s all about getting everyone involved and inspired, trying new things and developing talents. FUSED is spark but what YAP really want is to create a fire! The team want to trigger a shockwave of regular all year round arts programming designed especially for young people. FUSED is just the start - fuelling bigger and better things. Watch out Somerset, new arts are about to explode onto the scene. “Getting young people involved in the arts, is really important to me, not only because we are the audiences and artists of the future but I am also someone who really wants to see more art, film, theatre, dance, music- you name it- created, exhibited and performed locally. It’s such a shame that local talent is forced to move away from the area in an attempt to earn a living in the arts when we have the facilities to support and nurture them here in Somerset and the South West. The hard part, of course, is building an audience for them and that’s one thing I hope we can begin to achieve with FUSED.” KELLY (18), YAP MEMBER No excuses. Young people cannot say that they have nothing to do on Monday 12 April. Have a go, it’s free! There are no catches, no ties. It promises to be a buzzing atmosphere, with plenty of things going on besides the workshops with music, food and interactive performances on offer throughout the day. Come along and you may surprise yourself. YAP are always looking for more young and enthusiastic people to join our team. If you have a flare for photography, design, drama, fashion, music, dance, film or anything in between we want to hear from you. For more information on how to join the group, contact YAP by emailing fused@live.co.uk or info@spaeda.org.uk For more information visit YAP's myspace page at www.myspace.com/fused2010 or follow them at www.twitter.com/fused_2010 This is a free event. To reserve your place telephone our Box Office on 01823 283244.
