Art deal is so NEET

Reporter: Janice Barker
Date published: 06 December 2010


A pioneering arts apprenticeship programme is offering Oldham’s young people the chance to build careers in the creative industries.

Artsmart — which started this month — aims to give 16-24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) the skills and experience they need to become future arts leaders.

Four short courses will run until May, 2012, offering workshops and training for up to 50 young people in music, film production, dance, fashion, digital media and event production skills.

They will receive professional mentoring as they work towards a national Arts Award qualification and build their own online digital portfolios while working alongside professional artists on small community arts projects. Led by Oldham Council’s arts development team, it is funded by Arts Council England’s National Lottery Awards.

Councillor Kay Knox, Cabinet member for leisure, culture, heritage and tourism services, said: “These apprenticeships will make a big difference to the lives of our young people.

“Gaining skills and confidence as leaders and arts ambassadors will allow them to move towards employment and make a positive contribution to their community.”

Artsmart follows the successful Gallery 37 Plus pilot scheme which saw more than 100 young people take part in accredited arts learning programmes.

Over 80 per cent went on to enrol on creative college courses despite never previously considering further education.