Bardic Theatre’s inclusive arts project for young people from ethnic minority backgrounds living in rural Tyrone
16th January, 2024
Bardic Theatre, a community theatre company and theatre school based in rural Donaghmore Co. Tyrone, has been bringing young people from ethnic minority communities together through a series of drama and music workshops based on the much-loved musical, West Side Story. The project was supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP). Some of the young project participants will now put their new skills to use as they join the cast for a production of West Side Story at the Bardic Theatre from 1-16 March 2024.
REAP aims to provide an integrated, cohesive approach to the needs of rural communities to access the Arts. The overarching theme of the Arts Council established programme is to tackle isolation and loneliness and promote social inclusion and wellbeing for people living in rurally isolated communities by participation in the Arts.
Bardic Theatre’s REAP-supported project brought together 74 young people from a variety of ethnic minority and religious backgrounds in the Mid-Ulster area to enjoy a series of music and theatre workshops based around West Side Story. The project was free to participants with free transportation also provided to those who needed it. The overall aim was to bring young people together to learn from one another and foster a sense of inclusivity and respect.
Ann Faloon, Bardic Theatre, commented,
“The impact of this project was profound as participants were able to explore and expand their artistic abilities in a supportive and nurturing environment. Over the course of ten weeks, participants engaged in workshops that focused on drama, dance and singing helping to develop skills and confidence.
“The project also allowed us to expand our membership and engage new members in a way that was not previously possible, helping to create access to high-quality arts experiences. The workshops not only provided a platform for artistic growth but also created a network of support and friendship that will likely endure beyond the project.”
Noirin McKinney, Joint Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added,
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland was delighted to make this funding available to Bardic Theatre through the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme. We know that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, boost confidence and motivation, as well as alleviate isolation and loneliness.
“Thanks to The National Lottery players, the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme has supported 135 arts projects in rural areas with total National Lottery funding of £898,780 since its establishment in 2022. The programme has been making positive impacts in these rural communities by increasing opportunities for people to engage and participate in meaningful arts activities, enriching their lives for the better. The Arts Council believes that the arts, and coming together as communities, can make a vital contribution to building wellbeing, confidence, and healthy, integrated communities.”
West Side Story will be performed at the Bardic Theatre from 1-16 March 2024, for tickets and information visit www.bardictheatre.com
For
information on arts funding opportunities visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding
