Wales Millennium Centre and Valleys Kids announce major partnership
Two of Wales’ most significant cultural and social institutions combine to launch Together Stronger– a new artistic partnership for Wales to provide extraordinary creative experiences to inspire 400 vulnerable young people in the Rhondda
‘Together Stronger’ launched on Friday 6 April 2018 marking a ground-breaking partnership between Wales Millennium Centre and Valleys Kids, delivering a long-term programme of creative performance and personal development opportunities to over 400 young people aged 11-25 living in the Rhondda Valley.
The artistic and cultural learning experiences have been designed to combat adverse childhood experiences by improving wellbeing, increasing confidence and strengthening friendships through the arts. Young people will further design and shape their own creative journeys with the support of the Together Stronger team. The programme will take place in family and community centres located in Communities First designated areas in the Rhondda Valley where Valleys Kids have a 40-year history in community regeneration.
To achieve its ambition, Together Stronger will include a number of impactful opportunities including workshops using multimedia digital platforms, curating performances and working alongside established artists via a residency.
Funding for the ‘Together Stronger’ partnership has been provided through a major £200K grant from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. As one of the top 10 arts funders in the UK, their aim is “working to help people to overcome disadvantage and lack of opportunity so that they can realise their potential and enjoy creative and fulfilling lives”.
Mathew Milsom, Managing Director, Wales Millennium Centre said: “We are passionate about the impact of inclusive arts activities and the skills it fosters in young people; raising aspirations and positively impacting on resilience and wellbeing. Together Stronger is a vital project promoting even greater access for young people from some of our most disadvantaged communities. Developing our creative partnership with Valleys Kids, who are embedded in community practice, enables us to learn together and increase investment and opportunities with disadvantaged young people across Wales.”
Richard Morgan MBE, Director at Valleys Kids said: “Together Stronger has been designed following dialogue with 350 young people and our Valleys Kids Sparc (ArtWorks) team. We have seen first-hand the direct link between young people developing their artistic and cultural engagement and growth in their self-worth and employability. We are delighted to be creating a strategic partnership with the Wales Millennium Centre and facilitating this programme to meaningfully benefit disadvantaged and vulnerable young people”.