£1.5m arts scheme launched in Belfast

Launched in Belfast today the £1.5m Creative Youth Partnerships (CYP) scheme aims to address "the learning theme of the Unlocking Creativity strategy which is all about making connections between education, business, the cultural sector and the community".

Commenting on the three year initiative, The Permanent Secretary of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), Dr Aideen McGinley said: "It is through the exploration of individual creativity that young people can gain confidence and help to improve their employment prospects by providing their future employers with the creative skills and abilities needed for competitiveness.

"As well as aiming to increase the numbers taking part in the arts, the CYP scheme will also integrate the work of artists and arts organisations with what already goes on in schools, youth clubs and youth and community groups."

Dr McGinley explained that over the next three years, arts programmes and activities for children and young people, both within and beyond the schools’ sector, would be provided through the expansion and development of the Arts Council’s current 'Artists in Schools and Schools’ Tours' schemes.

Accessible through the internet towards the end of April, organisations, schools and colleges will be able to select individual artists and professional arts organisations to deliver a combination of pre-prepared and tailored arts programmes and activities.

In addition, the initiative will be supported by Local Action Zone programmes co-ordinated by a Development Officer in each Education and Library Board area.

Joining Dr McGinlay at the CYP scheme launch at W5 in the Odyssey was her counterpart from the Department of Education, Gerry McGinn, and the Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Rosemary Kelly.

(MB)