Leicester’s Curve is looking to recruit ten new young arts entrepreneurs (YAEs) for its scheme to provide opportunities for 16- to 25-year-olds to lead their own community arts projects and start their own businesses.
The programme is entering its third year. To date, the scheme has supported 20 projects managed by 24 young people covering a variety of art forms including drama, movement and dance, music, comedy, gospel arts, beat-boxing, poetry, rapping and visual arts.
Project areas have included creative movement sessions for the over-55s, drama-based activity focussing on issues around trans-racial adoption, homelessness, performance projects which promote sexual health and street dance workshops.
As well as support, business training and mentoring, Curve offers up to £1,500 to run each successful project.
Applicants must be resident in Leicestershire, be able to demonstrate a skill and talent, be ready to lead projects and show how they will make a real difference in their chosen community.
Any form of live art is considered, with the final selection being made during a Dragons’ Den-style presentation in October.
Tim Ford, Curve’s associate director for participation and learning, who co-ordinates the programme, commented, “Whether you are a poet or performer, dancer or director, we’re looking for inspirational young people who want to make a difference in their local communities and turn their entrepreneurial vision into a viable enterprise.
“Many previous YAEs are now successfully running their own businesses or are self-employed thanks to the mentoring they’ve received from the programme.”
The deadline for applciations is Monday 30 September. The Dragon's Den event will take place on Saturday 19 October, with the training programme starting during the week of 28 October.
For more information or to apply, contact Tim Ford at [email protected].