Youth Arts Directory launched!

Artswork, the national youth arts development agency have launched the UK’s first national Youth Arts Directory at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, London with the help of Chris Smith MP, Director of the Clore Leadership Programme.

Produced in partnership with UPSTART magazine, the publication marks a significant turning point in the growth of the youth arts sector, providing the first comprehensive overview of youth arts in the UK, and is an essential guide for anyone using or looking to use the arts in their work with young people, both professional and voluntary. Tony Hall, Chair of Creative & Cultural Skills said the publication “provides an essential map of youth arts in the UK” and Wozzy Brewster O.B.E., Director of The Midi Music Company commented the directory will “open up the world of youth arts for the novice and enhance creative opportunities for experienced practitioners”.

With a research and development period of almost two years, Artswork worked with UPSTART Editor, Jonathan Keane to tackle the daunting task and pull the project together. As Jon remarked, “What was clear from the outset was how youth arts and the people that make it are everywhere. Indeed, the sheer number of creative organisations working with young people across the regions and in all art forms is staggering!”.

Easy to use, this invaluable new publication provides details of funders, organisations, practitioners, partners, training, qualifcations and other resources; as well as features from UPSTART magazine, contributions from guest writers, and an overview of the year in youth arts.

Whilst a detailed and comprehensive resource, Artswork are aware the directory still has room to grow, and are encouraging organisations and practitioners to visit their Artsplan minisite to ensure their details are added to the next edition in 07/08. As Jon added, “Whilst some organisations were easy to locate, it became obvious that there are many more individuals and organisations that have not yet established a public profile, or are a part of any network. We cast our net wide, but the diversity within youth arts means there is still more that can be done to document and develop this community”.

Artswork, published the directory as part of their Artsplan series of publications and training initiatives, providing a creative programme of professional development to support professionals and volunteers using the arts in their work with young people.  Virginia Haworth Galt, Director of Artswork commented, “It’s our hope that this directory will aid greater communication and efficiency throughout the youth arts sector, opening up a wealth of skills sharing and professional development opportunities to everyone involved in using the arts with young people.”

The Upstart Youth Arts Directory 05/06 (ISBN 0-9547751-1-2) is priced £19.50 (plus £2.25 p&p).

More:

• Buy the directory
• Artswork on t: 023 8063 0960
• e: artsplan@artswork.demon.co.uk