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Camden Arts Centre will work in partnership with local youth and community groups to deliver Pathfinder: a 3 year education project for 36 disadvantaged young people aged 14 to 19 from Camden, London. Supported by mentors and Key Workers the young people will work in collaboration with professional artists to develop a series of creative and discussion-based workshops in order to develop practical skills and explore future academic and employment opportunities in the creative industries.

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Categories

  • Arts/Culture/Heritage Arts/​Culture/​Heritage
  • Community Support & Development Community Support & Development
  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Sports/Recreation Sports/​Recreation
  • Beneficiaries

    • Young People (18-30) Young People (18-30)

    Situation

    Camden Arts Centre is North London’s leading public contemporary visual arts space. We provide free access to high quality, pioneering education projects such as fully accessible workshops, talks, events and activities to encourage understanding, appreciation and participation in contemporary visual art for all and to increase the sense of ownership of Camden Arts Centre by groups who might feel distanced from the visual arts. Pathfinder is a landmark arts education project which has evolved from the successes of previous youth access and mentoring projects. We have retained personal relationships with many of these young people who will be involved in recruiting participants from schools and community groups identified by Camden Youth and Connexions Service as being in deprived areas and in particular need of extra provision. Young people from these centres face a number of disadvantages; risk of exclusion; low income backgrounds; English as a second language; Special Educational Needs; refugee status; being looked after and/or moving to adulthood and independent living; lack of family support in staying in education or pursuing further education. Their futures, as they make the transition into adulthood, can be improved immeasurably by this project as it will improve their aspirations and demonstrate to them their capacity for reaching their potential. The project will begin at the end of each academic year in June- a crucial time when choices are being made about future educational and employment opportunities. Each year the participants will engage in 12 half day workshops based at Camden Arts Centre and six sessions at Central St Martins School of Art and Design where they will be working in an environment wholly different to the classroom. Participants will explore art disciplines such as video, photography, printmaking, ceramics and mixed media and develop ideas leading to the creation of an art work. As part of Pathfinder's exit strategy a careers development day will be held at the end of the project where the artists and student/mentors will be joined by guest speakers from creative/business industries or higher education institutions to offer specific careers advice to the participants. The final art work will be exhibited at Camden Arts Centre and unveiled at a launch event which will offer a chance for participants to celebrate their achievements and share them with family and friends. It will also serve as showcase for possibilities to potential future participants. The outcomes for the participants will include: improved self-esteem and confidence; improved communication, team-work, problem-solving and leadership skills; clearer understanding of their future options; development of personal goals and aspirations; greater independence and ownership of cultural and social service provision; improved personal relationships; and a clearer appreciation of their own potential to access and succeed in higher education and/or in a professional career. The full cost of Pathfinder each year is £30,000 and is supported by London Councils. We are looking to secure donations of £15,000 per year to ensure the project continues.

    Solution

    100%
    Categories

  • Arts/Culture/Heritage Arts/​Culture/​Heritage
  • Community Support & Development Community Support & Development
  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Sports/Recreation Sports/​Recreation
  • Beneficiaries

    • Young People (18-30) Young People (18-30)