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August 30, 2007 > Calderdale's Summer College
Over the summer Calderdale young people who had found themselves the wrong side of the law were chosen to test out how the arts can keep them out of trouble. The pioneering Summer College Programme was being evaluated in a number of areas in the country, with Calderdale’s scheme proving a huge success.



A small group of young people got the opportunity to work with professional artists on a five day a week programme spanning the summer period.

 

The creative programme involved DJ-ing, graffiti art, drama and rap as well as visits to Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the National Media Museum in Bradford.



The group's hard work was celebrated with a special event at Square Chapel Centre for the Arts in Halifax on Thursday 30^th August were they were presented with certificates. Around 50 guests attended the event, including the participants family and friends. The College was accredited and those that successfully completed the project received a bronze level Arts Award.



Jenny Smith, Strategic Arts Development Officer who organised the project said “The summer College has given young people a great opportunity to learn a range of creative skills from working artists. The work produced has been of exceptional quality. The programme has been designed to have additional educational outcomes in terms of improving literacy and numeracy skills to add to those of art and music.”



Claire Slattery, Arts and Community Engagement Manager said “ We are delighted to have hosted this programme for the arts which has brought together a range of partners including Calderdale Council, the Arts Council, Youth Justice Board, Square Chapel, Kala Sangam and a set of talented artists committed to getting the best out of young people. We hope that this marks the beginning of a range of arts programmes.”



Calderdale Council were keen to support the programme and have provided staff and some funding that helped make the Summer College a success. Amanda Byrne, Cabinet Member for Council said “This project demonstrates that young people can turn their lives round given the right opportunities. We want to see young people succeed and make a positive contribution to their community and the arts have clearly appealed to the imaginations of these young people. We now have to look to how we can sustain the success.”



Stephen Toye, Head of Youth Offending Services said, "The Summer College is being evaluated by the Youth Justice Board and I’m looking forward to receiving the findings. We are in the business of preventing offending and these young people have worked hard to achieve results. The project is very encouraging in terms of outcomes.”