Other

THE NATIONAL YOUTH AGENCY: Comment - Art in the right place

1 min read

So this week (or last week by the time you read this) The NYA headed to Yorkshire to do its bit to promote youth work and youth services and persuade locally elected members to become youth champions in their communities.

We've done it this year with an arts theme - "put art at the heart of your community" - and invited councillors along to see video presentations highlighting the benefits of supporting youth arts.

Even the most cursory glance at the TV coverage of Glastonbury will demonstrate the importance of the creative arts to young people. When putting together the materials for The NYA session, I was again struck by the energy and creativity young people demonstrate when given the opportunity across the arts. In an ideal world, our councils would be backing youth arts simply because of the sheer bloody joy it can produce - but we all know that we also have to get over to potential funders that arts activity can make real contributions to communities through reducing street crime, improving academic performance, revitalising inner cities, providing jobs and economic activity and allowing people to express their opinions and engage in democratic structures. In short, they can play a vital role in promoting and securing community cohesion.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this