Member Article

M'boro art project reopens

A youth arts apprenticeship has re-opened in Middlesbrough. Gallery TS1 is a training scheme designed to inspire unemployed young people by engaging them in the creation and retail of arts and crafts.

The scheme, which was based on an original idea from Chicago, sells photography, fresh flowers and floral designs, soft furnishings and curios. Unemployed young people create high quality, sellable products under the guidance of professional artists and the delivery team from Twister Arts. Over 80 young people have benefited from Gallery TS1 Programmes in 2005/06, and 90% of young people engaged by Gallery TS1 then went on to further education, employment or training.

Juliet Farrar, Cultural Services Manager for Middlesbrough Council, said: “The huge success of GTS1 is testimony to the talents of young people in Middlesbrough. All too often we hear negative feedback about people under 25 in the centre of town, so it’s a great opportunity to recognise positive contributions to Middlesbrough’s cultural life. The work produced at GTS1 represents real achievement and at the same time gives people the opportunity to own a unique and affordable creation whilst supporting an important project.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .