18 schools and youth organisations across the city will have their own Arts Council, where young people will choose which art media they want to explore and with which artists they want to work.

Teachers, youth leaders, parents, carers and young people have given their own time over the last two years to prove the concept of an Arts Council in schools.

Malet Lambert:
“We now have an hour lunch break, so we can have the Arts Council gatherings during dinner time and have different people attending from across the subjects. We also have a new room for photography, and students have had their work published as a result of our meetings. My Pockets animator Peter came in and has created a pop-up film workshop. The Arts Council is actually giving children that are lost in the big group a space to be heard and seen, and a whole mixture are now coming through, and they all feel valued.”

Ron Dearing UTC:
“The Arts Council are bringing Glastonbury to Ron Dearing. Amongst other things, they are working with Mambo Jambo, Indie Circus Skills, Karaoke Jam Centre, and Spoken Word. We have a meditation and reading room and 15 different activities. including a fire performer, pub games and street food. The Arts Council were involved in planning an Arts Market for Christmas and Big Draw this month. They are delivering a presentation to encourage new attendees. Teachers fed back on how good the Arts Council were in supporting the launch of the STEAM studios.”