Published: 13 Sep 2017
Today, Creative Scotland announces details of £1.7m in funding awards to 49 youth arts projects across the country, supported through the CashBack for Creativity programme.
The programme aims to tackle inequality by removing barriers to access and provision of arts and creative experiences for young people, aged 10-24 regardless of background or situation.
Youth clubs, schools, community groups and arts organisations will be offering activities including workshops in film-making, including editing, storyboarding, and directing; musical production and recording sessions to develop skills with instruments, writing music, recording, editing and mixing; experience in radio, TV and photography; dance, theatre, circus workshops including script writing, choreography, prop making, lighting and stage design; painting, drawing, sculpture, quilting, weaving and embroidery classes; and arts management workshops offering young promoters skills development in programming, promoting, marketing, box office and front of house roles.
CashBack is an investment in the next generation and a mark of a society that values all its young people- Jim Sweeney MBE, CEO YouthLink Scotland
Iain Munro, Deputy Chief Executive, Creative Scotland, said: “Regular engagement with art and creativity helps transform young people’s lives, improving health and wellbeing, and reducing social isolation, where that exists. This programme is an investment in Scotland’s long term future by ensuring that young people, no matter what their background or situation, have access to inspiring, potentially life changing creative experiences. Experiences that will build confidence, skills, and employability, whilst also nurturing our future musicians, artists and film makers.”
CashBack for Creativity is funded by the Scottish Government through the CashBack for Communities programme which redistributes the proceeds of crime to benefit young people.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “Today’s investment of £1.7 million in ‘CashBack for Creativity’ across 49 programmes, further demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling inequalities across Scotland and building a strong, fair and inclusive society.
“Thus far our Investment in ’CashBack for Creativity’ has so far helped over 38,000 young people learn new skills, boost their confidence and reach their full potential in life.
“Since 2008 as well as committing £92 million to CashBack and other community initiatives, we have delivered nearly 2 million life changing activities and opportunities for young people across Scotland.”
Today’s announcement includes 15 projects supported through CashBack for Creativity Targeted Funding running for up to three years, and 35 projects supported through CashBack for Creativity Open Project Funding administered by Youth Link Scotland that will run for up to 12 months.
Jim Sweeney MBE, CEO YouthLink Scotland, The National Agency for Youth Work, said: “The role of the arts in broadening young people’s horizons should never be underestimated. It is often through the power of creative experiences that young people realise there is a positive path in life and they can achieve their ambitions despite difficult circumstances they may face. CashBack is an investment in the next generation and a mark of a society that values all its young people.”
The funding was announced at a visit to Screen Education Edinburgh where the Justice Secretary met with local youngsters involved in a filmmaking project receiving £120,000 funding across three years.
James McKenzie, Project Manager at Screen Education Edinburgh, commented: “CashBack is without a doubt our most important programme, unlocking creativity, aspiration and attainment in young people whose economic circumstances would otherwise restrict their ability to develop and find their voice through the medium of film. They will tell their stories, learn how to use digital equipment and edit their films, but most importantly they will learn how to work as a team, how to take on others views and how to find creative solutions to setbacks; skills that will stand them in good stead for the road ahead. For those hit by the filmmaking bug, there will be further progression opportunities, onto our BFI Film Academy and A Level courses and leading to higher education and ultimately into a career in film.”
The announcement of the funding coincides with the publication of new research report which explores good practice in delivering creative projects to young people who are experiencing additional challenges or barriers to access. It will act as a useful resource for future development of projects.
CashBack for Creativity is funded by the Scottish Government through the CashBack for Communities programme which redistributes the proceeds of crime to benefit young people. Creative Scotland has been a delivery partner of the project since its inception in 2008 and over 40,000 young people across the country have participated in the programme so far.
This phase of the programme runs until March 2020, and distributes £2.6m across two strands:
