Gallery 37 Launches New Creative Project

Tomorrow sees the launch of the latest project from the folks at Gallery 37, Birmingham's creative arts training organisation.

Every summer, for nearly a decade, Gallery 37 has been delivering a high-profile, city centre based programme of training in visual, applied and performing arts. Collaborating with many of the city’s major arts organisations, Gallery 37 employs professional artists to work with young people, many of whom have never been to an arts venue or event before.

The 2009 project will convert two vacant retail units in the Pavilions shopping centre into creative workshops for 16-24 year-olds. They will work alongside professional artists in collaboration with four of the city’s leading cultural organisations - the Birmingham REP, IKON, BMAG and SAMPAD - for three weeks before showcasing their work to passing shoppers.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport & Culture, said: “Gallery 37 is an exciting and innovative initiative that gives children and young people the chance to reach their full creative potential. This year’s participants will learn a variety of new skills and many of the previous participants have gone onto work in the arts sector.”

I'm a huge fan of programmes like this, using arts, music and sport to get kids off the street and armed with the skills needed for employment. According to the project, over 90% of youngsters involved have entered employment or training following completion of the programme.