First Bridgend Summer Arts College success
An art exhibition created by eight local teenagers has been displayed at Bridgend County Borough Council’s Civic Offices.
The innovative work is the result of a project carried out by Bridgend Youth Offending Service when it ran its first Summer Arts College earlier this year.
Summer Arts Colleges are intensive educational projects designed to re-engage young people in education, training and employment through the provision of vibrant arts experiences. Over 50 youth offending teams participate in the programme which is run by Unitas, a national charity that helps young people access, participate and progress in mainstream education and training.
In Bridgend eight out of the nine young people taking part for the first time successfully completed their Bronze Arts Award. Two of them - Jade Alford and Amie Smith - then went on to achieve the second and third prizes in Wales in the Summer Arts Colleges competition 2010 for their graphic art entry.
Presenting them with their certificates, Council Leader Councillor Mel Nott said: “This is a really eye-catching display of art which is a credit to the young people involved. Well done to them all. I know this course required a high level of commitment from the young people and Bridgend Youth Offending Service staff and they should all be very proud of what has been achieved.
“These sorts of projects are not only an excellent way of allowing creative and artistic expression, they also encourage personal responsibility and dedication. I’m delighted by the success of this first Summer Art College and hope this is the start of many more in the years to come.”