arts volunteering
Following the pandemic, which brought isolation to schoolchildren and older people alike, together with a wider impact on communities, it has never been more important to support access to the arts. Working with schools, museums, local charities and community groups, volunteers can bring their passion for the arts to support projects across a wide range of activities.
arts volunteering
Birmingham Royal Ballet Dance Track
Birmingham Royal Ballet ‘Dance Track’ programme delivers free ballet training and arts activities to 5- to 8-year-olds across Birmingham introducing ballet to young people otherwise unlikely to have had the opportunity to engage with dance.
Forty-five schools across North, South and Central Birmingham are affiliated with Dance Track, each being in an area of the city identified by Birmingham City Council as having low levels of cultural engagement. From these schools approximately 80 children who show promise and for whom it may be their first opportunity to participate in any arts activity outside the school curriculum are chosen.
In addition to the dance instruction, Dance Track sessions help the children with listening, self-confidence, communication, and leadership skills, all of which are transferable to everyday life. Children showing a talent for dance are identified by Birmingham Royal Ballet staff during the workshops, based on criteria including rhythm, agility and flexibility, and a talented few progress to join Elmhurst Ballet School or The Royal Ballet School Junior Associates.
Dance Track: Photographer Tim Cross
EX CATHEDRA ‘SINGING MEDICINE’
Ex Cathedra’s ‘Singing Medicine’ team have been bringing singing play to children in hospital via Zoom with the hospital staff using iPads to connect with the children. To quote Ex Cathedra: “Singing is a special activity that brings feelings of well-being and can stimulate or calm the body and our singing games have been designed to enable children of all capabilities and needs to be able to make decisions in an environment where they can feel all decision making and control has been taken away from them”.
CBSO Youth Orchestra
We are again supporting two young gifted instrumental players performing with the CBSO Youth Orchestra with a £750 donation, enabling the Orchestra to offer bursaries to two young musicians.
Simon Fairclough, Director of Development for the CBSO reported, “With your support, we have offered ….. an unmatched opportunity to be part of an internationally renowned orchestral organisation, playing challenging music in prestigious venues with eminent professional conductors and soloists. For many, participation will play a key role in their future education and careers. For all, it is a hugely inspiring and enjoyable shared experience. Thank you for helping us make it happen.”
