Hebden Bridge News

Youth Group Breaks The Mould

Youth Group, Outta Place, has taken Yorkshire by storm with their new brand of edgy, street-wise youth work. With its exciting programme of urban arts and music projects aimed directly at local youngsters, Outta Place is quickly making a name for itself.

This new social enterprise consists of a team of artists, programmers and support workers who deliver projects to teenagers across Pennine Lancashire, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

When Managing Director, Clare Donegan came across youth arts – purely by chance through her work as a multi-media artist – she realised that this was her calling. She explains, “ I believe technology and the arts revolutionise how we communicate with each other. And who better to pioneer this than young people. We work with young people from all walks of life, encouraging their creative potential, self-esteem and providing them with life skills.”

The Arts Council clearly agree with this fresh approach. Outta Place has just secured funding to deliver their key project for the first year: Outta Seed. Phase one begins in the Easter school holidays, when young people can take part in a series of 12 taster sessions in Halifax and the Calder Valley. They will get the chance to work with professional artists in music, dance, design and drama, all with an urban flavour. As well as 3D sculpture, drama and music production, teenagers can be an MC or a VJ for the day. It’s cutting edge stuff and its all free.

As Clare exclaims, “Out with the old in with the new! It’s about bringing people together, creating peace and producing high quality art. Oh, and did I mention… we have lots of fun too?!”