Ten creative projects nurturing young talent

Published: 21 Sep 2017

Ten creative projects, involving 19 young people from across Scotland, will share over £3,800 from the Time to Shine Nurturing Talent Fund.

This is the latest round of successful applicants in the Nurturing Talent Fund which is being managed by the National Youth Arts Advisory Group for Scotland. The National Youth Arts Advisory Group for Scotland are working with Creative Scotland and Young Scot to issue £40,000 to talented young people over two years.

The Nurturing Talent Fund aims to support young people’s creative work, regardless of geography, affordability or disability. Applications for the Nurturing Talent Fund are for young people aged 14-20, from a diverse range of backgrounds across Scotland.

Recipients in this round of funding include:

• Luke Millar, from Fife, who will set up a tutoring programme for young musicians in Dunfermline and surrounding areas.
• Cortnë, an indie-pop music group from Glasgow, who are producing a single with established Scottish producer Mark Morrow.
• Sean Petrichor, from Glasgow, who will record and publish an album of poetry and music. The collection will be centred around LGBTQ+ relationships and will include a live performance at a showcase event.
• Argyll & Bute Young Artists, Holly Smith and Beth Qualter Buncall, will organise an exhibition of art and performances to bring attention to young talent in Argyll.
• Emma Malins, Louis Martin and Sophie Burr from Aberdeen, will use the funding to produce a short film called ‘Grow’, showcasing the relationship of a father and daughter from the perspective of a plant.
• Gemma June Yoxall, from Edinburgh, will build a photographic portfolio to distribute to potential employers showcasing her love, talent and passion for the dancing profession.
• SWAY, a three-piece band from Paisley, will create a music video to compliment the release of their next single.
• Arthur Coates and Douglas Barber, from Aberdeenshire, will perform three evening concerts in village halls. The music duo will promote their traditional music and their latest EP throughout rural Aberdeenshire.
• Georgia Dunn, from Glasgow, who will use the funding to create and perform a piece of cabaret, which will be showcased at events across Glasgow and Edinburgh.
• Joseph Hewer, from Alloa, will produce a high-quality five track EP and a launch event at the Tolbooth Auditorium in Stirling.

Young people with a creative passion can apply for funding from £60 to £600. The next round of the rolling fund closes on 9 October 2017. For information about applying to the fund visit www.young.scot/timetoshine.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased to see how our National Youth Strategy is actively enabling more young people across Scotland to access and participate in the arts. The Nurturing Talent Fund has already supported hundreds of young people to take forward animation, theatre, music, fashion and design projects.

“Last month I was particularly pleased to meet the young people involved through the newly developed National Youth Arts Advisory Group and exchange views on how to make youth arts even more accessible to all. As we count down to the Year of Young People in 2018, we remain committed to ensuring that young people’s voices are heard in shaping the future of the arts in Scotland.”

Colin Bradie, Time to Shine Programme Manager at Creative Scotland. said: “We’re very pleased to see the Nurturing Talent Fund continue to help develop and support young people’s creative ambition. From theatre to film making, these awards are helping young people across the country to progress their creative ambitions. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Young Scot to make this fund possible through Time to Shine, Scotland’s National Youth Arts Strategy.”

Louise Macdonald, Young Scot’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re really excited to see young people’s creative ambitions become a reality. We want to continue to showcase the amazing young talent that Scotland has to offer. The Nurturing Talent Fund is a great opportunity for young people to develop their passions and explore potential careers in Scotland’s creative industries.”

For more information on the Nurturing Talent Fund, the National Youth Arts Advisory Group and the Time to Shine project visit young.scot.

For further information, media interviews or images please contact Shaun Bell or Katherine Mackenzie at Stripe Communications on 0131 561 8628 or email youngscot@stripecommunications.com.