Young people in Paisley get creative about the future thanks to Wheatley

Young people in Paisley are re-imagining life post-pandemic as part of a new arts project.  Supported by the Wheatley Foundation and funded by Creative Scotland, ‘From the Rubble’, brings together young people to build their creative skills and confidence and explore what it's like living in the ‘new normal’.

The project put on football, animation, film and music workshops at the Tannahill Centre in Paisley over the summer.

Artists Suzie Bell and Anna Smeaton, who delivered the workshops, are planning more sessions in September.  Ms Bell said: ““It’s been fantastic working with young people living in Wheatley communities in Paisley.

“Our aim was for participants in our summer sessions to have a chance to build creative skills, form new friendships and gain confidence.

“In just four short days the young people challenged themselves to create a news report of how Covid-19 affected them; created hero characters to save the world; completed mini-films and had a glimpse into the world of editing; and created a short track using music software.

“After such a difficult time of restrictions, it has been incredible seeing the young people come alive with the freedom of creative control.

“We can’t wait to deliver more sessions in September and encourage young people who are interested in the sessions to get in touch.”

Dominik, one of the young people taking part in the project said: “At the start, there were a lot of people I didn’t know, and I was a bit shy, but by the end, my confidence was 10 out of 10.”

The project was supported through Creative Scotland’s Youth Arts Emergency Funding, part of a £3 million package of support from the Scottish Government allocated to support youth arts and ensure creative opportunities for children and young people continue to exist across Scotland despite the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Lynne Mitchell, Wheatley Foundation Manager said: “: “We’re delighted to be working with Creative Scotland and talented artists to offer opportunities for young people in Wheatley communities to learn new skills and build their confidence.

“Young people have found lockdown particularly challenging as they were unable to express themselves or meet with friends at clubs and classes.

“This fantastic new arts project will help improve their mental health, reduce stress and give young people the chance to learn from established artists.”

Kelsey Jubin, Creative Learning Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Having access to and taking part in a rich range of creative activities gives young people new skills, improves self-esteem and builds confidence.

“It’s great to see how this funding will help to enrich the lives of many children and young people who might not otherwise access these opportunities, both during the pandemic and as we begin to emerge from it.”

‘From the Rubble’ workshops will start back at the Tannahill Centre in Paisley on 23 September from 18:30 to 20:30 and are open to young people aged 10+ who live in the Paisley area.

You can learn more about the workshops by emailing fromtherubbleworkshop@gmail.com or by calling 07597907649.