A group of young people who are regular users of Cree Studio, Newton Stewart, were successful in their bid to Dumfries and Galloway’s Youthbank for funding to assist with animation and music production software and equipment.
During a site visit to find out more about the project and the young people’s funding application, local Youthbank assessors were given a tour of the studio and invited to try some of the equipment. They were also shown a short film the young people had produced, showcasing some of the skills and talents they have already, and they were told about the young people’s interests in animation and the need for more accessible and easy to use software.
The funding assessors were so impressed with the studio and what the young people get out of attending that they recommended that they get the full amount requested, £562.63, as well as an additional £187.37, bringing the total to £750.
Cree Studio, based at the ARC in Newton Stewart, is run by Dumfries and Galloway Council in partnership with Turning Point Scotland, they support young people and adults to take part in a range of creative experiences such as learning a musical instrument, recording their own music, making a film, music therapy, recording stories, and so much more. It is open to all members of the public from school age to older adults offering a person centred approach and welcomes innovative ideas.
Dumfries and Galloway’s Youthbank is a youth-led grant giving initiative that encourages groups of young people to apply for money to put their good ideas in to action. Trained Youthbank assessors, who are young people aged 12-25, assess the applications, make site visits and have the final say on what groups get the money. The maximum grant amount is £750.
Chair of the Wigtown Area Committee, Councillor Marion McCutcheon commented, “I am delighted that Youthbank have decided to award funding to this very worthwhile project. I am sure that this award will give the young people involved a huge boost and encourage them to progress their interests further.”
Tom McAughtrie, Chair of the Community and Customer Services Committee, said “our council is committed to providing all of our young people with the best start in life. The Cree Studio is an excellent facility which allows young people to be creative and express themselves. The assessors have identified how valuable this resource is and the benefits that it brings to young people locally. I am pleased that the studio has received this funding, allowing them to develop the services that they offer so that young people can continue to enjoy the high quality services that it provides.”
Photo provided: Back row (left to right) Charlie Genty, music tutor Paul Brown & Kenneth Cockburn. Front row (left to right) Youthbank assessor Emma McVean, Modern Apprentice Zoe King, Helen McAllister & Youthbank assessor Kaela Ross.
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