West Lothian youngsters work alongside artists at The Reconnect Regal Theatre

A group of young people shone at The Reconnect Regal Theatre recently with their Super Showcase.

Five participants on the Impact Arts Creative Pathway course, all aged 16 and 17, have been working with Impact Arts qualified artists developing their creative talents and strengthening their skills to prepare them for employment, education or training.

They have engaged with the project over the past 10 weeks and put on a showcase to display their work to others. It was a great opportunity to underline to themselves exactly what they had achieved and the volume and diversity of the work they have produced.

Funded by our Bright Future, Skills Development Scotland and The Gannochy Trust the Creative Pathways programme is all about getting young people to think about their surroundings, increasing awareness of environmental issues, building confidence and learning new skills.

Fiona Doring, director, said: “The participants have brought such creativity to the project with fantastic imaginations. It really is amazing and the young people have only been working with Impact Arts for 11 weeks, so it is wonderful to see what they have achieved in such a short space of time. They should be immensely proud of themselves.”

Fiona Hyslop MSP was in attendance and presented with the young people certificates for their achievements.

She said: “I am so impressed with the creativity and confidence gained from the Impact Arts course. Today has had a bit of everything in it.

“Fantastic visual artwork and a brilliant presence. I love to see what you’ve done with art and I strongly believe art and creativity can come from everywhere, it’s a real expression of what you can be and what you can do. The impact of culture to empower individuals is a big part of A Culture Strategy for Scotland.”

Some of the young people have their college places confirmed and the rest are waiting to hear. Impact Arts would like to congratulations all participants on what they have achieved during their time on the project and wish them all the best on their route to a bright future.