Shrewsbury's Belmont Arts Centre has been named the headquarters for a national awards scheme that gives recognition to young people's achievements in the arts. Featuring gold, silver and bronze qualifications, it's been described as an arts equivalent of the Duke of Edinburgh awards and has already attracted interest from thousands of young people across the country. | "A pioneering qualification that we believe will attract many young people and will contribute greatly to the richness of our culture and economy." | | Peter Hewitt, Chief Executive of Arts Council England |
An Arts Award can be achieved in any thread of the arts, from dance to music, theatre, painting or media production and can be a combination of disciplines. The project was piloted in 2003 with backing from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The full launch of the Arts Award in 2006 sees regional advisors scattered across the country, with the national HQ in Shrewsbury. The Arts Award is aimed at 11-25 year-olds and is a national qualification which both recognises work already being done, and encourages young people to try something new. The scheme is supported by the Arts Council and helps participants develop as arts leaders as well as artists in their own right. Peter Hewitt, Chief Executive of Arts Council England explains the reasoning behind the award: "Our new strategy for children, young people and the arts argues for a place for young people at the centre of British cultural life, as artists, as arts participants and as audiences... it is a pioneering qualification that we believe will attract many young people and will contribute greatly to the richness of our culture and economy."
 | | Video art at the launch |
The Arts Award is an accredited qualification at levels one, two and three (bronze, silver and gold) on the National Qualifications Framework. Certificates are issued by Trinity College London. Young people undertaking an award are also often supported by a network of professionals, giving not only expert advice but also an insight into life as a practising artist. It's planned that the scheme will be offered through schools as well as youth arts centres and other organisations accredited for the award. Coordinators also hope that employers will recognise the Arts Award as a valuable qualification. |
Find out more about the Arts Award and how you can get involved
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