Arts Connect Projects

Young People's Writing Squads

The Young People's Writing Squads aim to locate gifted young writers - in both English and Welsh - in each authority region and introduce them to some of Wales' leading writers, and teachers of writing.

The Writing Squads have been developed over the past decade by Literature Wales in association with local authorities in Wales.

Being Creatively Active

As part of the Being Creatively Active Project, the four local Authorities worked alongside social services to roll out a series of fun and educational photographic workshops for young people in care.

Alongside the photographic workshops, Arts Connect worked with singing Trio 'Triptych', a three person band consisting of a Cellist, pianist and singer to create a series of visits to Care Home's in the four regions. They are working alongside a reminiscence artist, who will be using music to trigger memories and bring joy to adults with dementia. 

SONIG Youth Music Industry Program

The SONIG programme is unique in Wales, in that it utilises the strengths of the music industry in Wales to support the personal, learning and career development needs of young people with diverse aspirations, skills and backgrounds, who are aged between 8 and 25 and living in Rhondda Cynon Taf and  Bridgend as well as providing opportunities for young people from Merthyr Tydfil and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Our rich and varied programme enables young people to create original music, participate in rock and pop and to learn about and access the music industry and the creative industries. We also support the ongoing development of individuals and bands already involved in the local music scene through workshops, events, music industry seminars, courses and networking opportunities as well as through individual music mentoring and guidance for young people, providing career pathways and signposting opportunities into their chosen fields.

The Young Promoters Network

The Young Promoters Network consists of young people, residing in Arts Connect areas, who are aged between 14-25, with the ambition to create live music events and in the process, promote young emerging acts.

The main objectives of the YPN are to empower young people, by providing them with a new skill-set; building confidence; as well as increasing opportunities within the live music sector. Participants learn what it will take to forge careers within this field of the Creative Industries from a hands-on approach.

The project has been hallmarked as innovative and collaborative by its very nature; there is no model like it which targets young people in Wales.  The enthusiasm and interaction of young people has encouraged its growth. The project is both creative and reactive to its locality - in turn contributing to the growth of the music industry in South Wales.

The project up-skills young people and develops transferable skills in individuals; provides platforms for young emerging talent; and encourages networking opportunities across the region

Young Promoters Network