Unlocking creativity by experiencing the arts through bespoke media training courses. Supported by Scottish Government, Be Somebody offers fully funded places for 15- 25 year-olds
BAUER Academy is delighted to announce the launch of Be Somebody, an innovative new media training programme that aims to introduce young people to the world of media, as well as getting them to engage with their local community and arts groups.
Supported through Creative Scotland’s CashBack for Creativity Strategic fund, these four-day courses offer young people a distinctive approach to media training focusing on building their confidence and skillset.
The course will allow young people to develop their creativity, learn about the industry and give them the opportunity to work closely with local arts based community groups.
The first of the four-day courses starts this weekend in Edinburgh and includes two community-based activities which involve working with young people, as well as introducing and directing participants to local arts groups.
There were over 230 applicants who registered for the courses in Scotland – with 60 young people finally being awarded a place. Fifty per cent of sign-ups were generated via YouthLink and the other 50 per cent from those who contacted the Bauer Academy directly.
Courtnay McLeod, director of Bauer Academy, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be using the Cashback for Creativity funding from Creative Scotland to launch our Be Somebody project.
“The underpinning theme of all that goes on at Bauer Academy is talent, and Be Somebody provides a new and fully funded access point for the identification and development of new talent for the industry, crucially opening up access to those that may not traditionally engage with training or the arts.
“In removing any economic, geographical and social barriers, Be Somebody will help us reach all young people and offer them opportunities and new experiences in media training and with arts groups.
Be Somebody supports the Scottish Government’s ongoing Youth Arts Strategy, Time to Shine.
Speaking at the launch, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: “It’s great to meet some of the young people who will take part in Be Somebody. The programme receives funding from Cashback for Creativity, which puts the proceeds of crime towards helping our young people find their voice and perhaps find their future in the arts.
“Tackling social justice and reducing inequalities is a key focus of this government and culture and creativity play vital roles in building the fairer Scotland that we all wish to see. Programmes like Be Somebody gives everybody a chance to find and get involved in creativity and the arts, whatever their background.”
Be Somebody is fully funded for participants, and includes practical training at Bauer stations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen – namely Clyde, Forth, Tay and Northsound.
As well as removing geographical and economic barriers, the project will, through giving 50 per cent of places to Scotland’s youth agency, YouthLink, also remove social barriers, engaging with groups that may not traditionally enjoy access to media training or the arts.
Joan Parr, portfolio manager for Education, Learning & Young People, Creative Scotland, said: “We are delighted that CashBack for Creativity is helping Bauer Academy to deliver these fully-funded places on this innovative training programme.
“As well as learning a range of technical and production skills, participants will develop invaluable transferrable skills including team-working and communication as well as boosting their self-esteem and confidence. I am also pretty confident that they will also have a great time in the process. This is a brilliant opportunity for young people in Scotland.”
Jim Sweeney, CEO YouthLink Scotland, said: “Young people are the bedrock of our nation’s future and it’s vital every youngster in Scotland can shape their own destiny. This programme launched by Bauer Academy will offer young people a truly unique experience and will help build on the fantastic renaissance the arts and creative industries have experienced in recent years.”
For more information about Be Somebody email BeSomebody@bauermedia.co.uk.
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