Metier (now EQ)

LYAN in association with Metier (now EQ) and the Learning Skills Council produced the first ever Workforce Development Plan for Youth Arts sector.

The draft report (available to download here) was presented at a conference held on 9th September 2004 , called 'Going Further In To Training' . The key note speaker was Baroness Lola Young who also chaired the discussion section which was the central focus of the afternoon (summary of the discussion that took place available to download here).

The final report was launched at the Connections Centre in Palingswick House. The launch was attended by youth arts workers and practitioners from various organisations. The report is now available from LYAN at a cost of £5.00 (for postage and packaging), but free to all paid up Members.

The focus of the Workforce Development Plan is to give a clearer picture of the following:

- Who is working in Youth Arts, their background and qualifications

We need more help from others in mapping this section

- How many people are full time, part time, freelance or volunteers

We also need more help in this part of the report

- Types of Youth Arts Organisations

We are trying to create a series of categories of types of youth arts organisations to help people within the sector. We have currently mapped nearly 1,000 organisations that work with young people in some way, but want to clarify this list.

- Skill shortages and gaps in the workforce

The current areas identified include: need for specialist training in technical dance, need for accreditation of circus performers, specific professional development which is tiered according to experience and need, more support in gaining sustained funding, basic IT training, need for higher level training which goes beyond basics, developing clearer pathways to become Youth Arts practitioners

- Education and Training available for Youth Arts practioners

We are still working on this section any courses you have done which you've found helpful please email us the contact to add to this list.

- The needs, issues, priorities and targets of the workforce

The key heading include: providing training and the issues of this, aspects of learning within youth arts, issues such as disability and inclusivity, new technology, creating better networks and links and needs of freelance staff in accessing training.

The final section will focus on the priorities of Youth Arts practioners, setting some targets and outcomes from this report.

A full report in brochure format is now available, email: lyan@youthartslondon.co.uk.

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GEL - Get Enterprising London

LYAN joined forces with DreamArts, Equator Media, ICA and University of the Arts, London to build a London-wide consortium scheme where 16-24 year olds with raw talent but little direction can find the support to test out their ideas and develop their creative and entrepreneurial skills. The scheme would improve co-ordination of advice and guidance; create opportunities to network with other young creatives; hold regular high-profile platforms for young people to showcase their maturing work; and brok er access to mentors and work placements. Most important of all, the scheme will raise aspirations and promote engagement in learning opportunities. If young people themselves recognise the importance of further learning this can only improve the benefits of, and retention in, formal education.

At present LYAN is working with the group to secure funding to carry out a mapping exercise of the level of support and services available to young people wanting careers in the creative industries. For more information about this project contact Alya Din on alya@youthartslondon.co.uk or by telephone on 020 7482 3012.

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Word Up!

LYAN held its very first consultation meeting at the beginning of December (05). We met with a group of budding young poets and wordsmiths to get their views and recomendations on how they could be supported in their development. Here's some of what they had to say:

- Raise the profile of poetry/spoken word as an artform

- A central point for information

- A regular event for under 18's to try out their poetry on an invited audience.

We are shortly going to get in touch with poetry/spoken word groups around London to follow up on some of the recomendations that were made. So if you know or work for a youth arts organisations that works with young people involved in and producing written and spoken word then please get in touch with us at: alya@youthartslondon.co.uk.

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LIFT

LYAN has also teamed up with LIFT (London International Festival of Theatre) on a number of occassions to work with young people between the ages of 16-25 to get their views on different aspects of theatre.

Firstly we worked with LIFT to welcome Iranian theatre director and playwright Amir Reza Koohistani with his powerful performance of Amid the Clouds at the Royal Court Theatre.

Amir's play Amid the Clouds was developed as part of the Royal Court Theatre's International Writers Workshop. As part of the performance LIFT and LYAN offered twenty young people the chance to meet with Amir and exchange their experiences as young writers, director and poets.

The second joining of forces saw the arrival of the Young @ Heart Chorus - a group of singers and performers between the ages of 70 to 92 that performs cover versions of bands from the 50s to present day. The Young @ Heart Chorus met with a group of young people to discuss the idea of age and its relevance to being an artist. After the seminar the group got to watch them perform and were bowled over with their versions of Hay Y'all by OUtKast and Creep by Radiohead!

For more information on workshops with LIFT and other training opportunities taking place across London, see our Whats On section, where you can find out how you can take part.

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Refugee Project

LYAN has been in touch with a number organisations working with young refugees and is planning to host an event focused on working with young refugees in youth arts.

Please contact us if you would like to be involved in this project.

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L Group

The L Group started from a group of four London-wide organisations concerned with arts and education whose membership has now expanded to six organisations. As a result of a recent seminar it is likely to extend its membership and seek to bring centre stage the importance of having joined up thinking and policies concerning youth arts and education, particularly for young people.

If you you would like to be part of this membership then get in touch with LYAN. Watch this space to see how this idea develops.

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