Led by Louise Blackwell, Charlotte Vivian and James Barton, the project celebrates creativity and shines a light on lesser known creative roles through a year round programme of workshops, creative collaborations, mentoring and work place visits. Working in partnership with artists, local businesses and young people from aged 9 to 18 yrs from areas of need in the city of Brighton & Hove.
Read this blog post from mentor Adam Sheldon, Big Egg Films about his experience of the project.
The children have grown and flourished all round. It has impacted hugely on their self-confidence, conviction to try, positive engagement and their desire to be creative in lots of different groups. class teacher, Benfield Primary School
To have the chance to work with creative professionals aged 9 is phenomenal on a multitude of levels. It has widened her horizons inspiring her, providing knowledge, advice, linking her passions to tangible careers to aspire to. Attending the children’s showcase was amazing! Parent of Benfield mentee
We piloted the project in 18/19 in partnership with Benfield Primary School and BHASVIC 6th Form College.
I think LOOKOUT has made me more open to saying ‘yes’ to opportunities and being more confident in my creativity. BHASVIC mentee
Artist mentors 18/19: dance artist Anne Colvin, film-maker Adam Sheldon, composer Ed Briggs, theatre-maker Victoria Melody, lighting designer Prema Mehta and LOOKOUT Co-Directors Louise Blackwell and Charlotte Vivian.
Anybody who has ideas can make art, I’ve loved helping to steer my YP’s into utilising the talents they already have. I now want to make the mentoring of YP’s an intrinsic part of my artistic practice. Victoria Melody, mentor
Activities in the pilot year included:
Year 5 Benfield students made a short film with Adam Sheldon.
BHASVIC students took part in a workshop with Punchdrunk’s Production Manager Andrea Salazar and digital artist Imwen Eke. They also visited The Globe, Richmond Theatre, Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton Festival and took part in an Apples & Snakes gig as part of the Brighton Dome programme.
Year 5 Benfield students Theatre Royal Brighton and used the follow spot, raised the curtain and attempted to get a set that’s too big through the stage door. They have attended Phoenix Art Gallery in Brighton and explored the Project Artworks exhibition and met artists Alice Stewardson and Simon Wilkinson in their studios.
BHASVIC students took part in a workshop at The Old Market in Hove with 1927 and saw the show All the Animals and Children took to the Streets.
The Benfield students visited BHASVIC 6th Form College and got to visit the library, gym, science labs and met the principal.
In July they all came together and shared the creative ideas they had worked on over the year in an event involving installation, photography, performance poetry, music and dance at The Old Market in Hove.
LOOKOUT was one of the most inspiring things we’ve had in our venue for a long time. Can’t wait to see what they do next! The Old Market, Hove
If you work with young people and are interested in getting involved in the project then drop me a line as we are currently seeking partners for the 19/20 academic year.
Supported by Arts Council England and Brighton & Hove Council.