YOUNG PEOPLE IN Moray are set to learn how to produce a music video, learn the skills of the Circus Big Top or work on a radio drama.
All three and much more will be amongst the free sessions provided by Ignite: Moray Youth Arts Hub, which has launched its spring/summer programme at a variety of locations.
Those taking part in the jam-packed schedule of creative events have the chance to put their newly discovered skills into practice by performing at the Findhorn Bay Festival and Forres Culture Day running in September.
Gill Bird, Ignite Project Manager, explained: “There really is something for everyone, for every age group. We are delighted that we are able to put together this exciting and diverse programme of events together for the second year running.
“It has been hugely successful and going on past experiences, I have no doubt that this year’s workshops will be just as much fun as previous years.
“We have events taking place throughout the region, in central towns such as Forres and Elgin, but we also have events on in Fochabers, Tomintoul and Findhorn too.”
Among the activities will be an opportunity to work with Forres-based band Be Like Pablo by helping in the creation of their next music video.
There is also a chance for 14-18 year olds interested in traditional music to become part of an electric ceilidh during workshops in Fochabers – while those in the Tomintoul area can get involved in drumming and nature activities.
Gill added: “Some of our workshops are already booking up so we would encourage people to secure their places as quickly as possible.
“Getting the opportunity to work with the likes of Ewen Watson from the band Be Like Pablo, who have recently secured a recording deal, is a great opportunity.
“The workshops will explain the process in creating a music video but Ewan will also be looking to recruit creative individuals to work alongside a team of professional film makers on the next Be Like Pablo video in a variety of area such as production, lighting, cinematography, set design, and make up.
“If radio is your thing then you can always get involved with arts project Wildbird who are looking for an enthusiastic group of young people aged 13 and over to make a short sound Drama for local Radio broadcast, podcast, and internet broadcast.”
Gill explained that through consultation with young people there was maybe surprisingly a desire to learn fine arts skills, adding: “We were pleasantly surprised that there was a demand by young people to learn traditional fine arts skills so we set up
“The Visual Arts Group which helps them develop a variety of art skills, build up a portfolio and gain an accredited Arts Award from Trinity College, London. The next session starts on April 13 and the young people will be working with Brian Dixon from the Glasgow School of Art.”
She explained that there is also the opportunity for young people to become an arts ambassador for the region: “We need around nine to 12 ambassadors who work together to promote arts and cultural opportunities throughout Moray, but also at a National Youth Arts Hub meeting held in Edinburgh.
“Ignite: Moray Youth Arts Hub is a youth led programme – the Youth Arts Ambassadors are very much involved in the devising, programming and promoting of all our activities and opportunities, particularly through blogging, filming and making good use of social media.
Ignite: Moray Youth Arts Hub is one of nine hubs established across the country as part of ‘Time to Shine’, Scotland’s Youth Arts Strategy which is administered by Creative Scotland.
For those wishing to get involved, full details of the summer programme can be found on the Ignite: Moray Youth Arts Hub website at www.ignitemyah.org.