A free week-long music and creative programme for young people from the Derry City and Strabane District Council area will take place at Nerve Centre this August, and registration is now open.
The Youth Music and Digital Programme is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan as part of the Thriving and Peaceful Communities theme.
Designed for young people aged 14-18, the intensive programme will take place over five days, beginning Monday 11 August. Whether you’re a musician, interested in filmmaking, photography or design, this programme offers something for everyone.
Budding musicians will have the chance to form a band and work with professional mentors to write and perform new songs at a special showcase event in Nerve Centre's venue on the evening of Friday 15 August.
Those interested in learning digital media will shoot, edit and screen a short film in Nerve cinema, capture and exhibit photography in a pop-up gallery and learn graphic design skills to produce unique artworks.
All participants will also gain an OCN qualification, helping to kickstart their creative careers.
Marty McGill, Head of Music at Nerve Centre said: “Our music and creative Hothouse programme is over 20 years old and has provided a stepping stone in the creative industries for thousands of young people. So many of the participants who started out on their journey with the Nerve Centre have gone on to form bands and collectives or used the skills they’ve learned in further education or their careers. This programme is the perfect opportunity for young people to come together, to be creative and to have fun.”
Sue Divin from Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “At a time when our creative industries are under such threat from funding cuts, we’re delighted that the Local Council’s PEACEPLUS Action plan has been able to award £124,000 to the Nerve Centre for delivering work on creative arts with teenagers in our area. The Arts plays an important role in peacebuilding and when young people shared their views in our co-design process, they were keen to have opportunities they could access in this field.”
Registration for the Youth Music and Digital Programme is now open — apply here.