An innovative and exciting gallery that features the unique and stylish artwork of local young people, who are not in education or employment, will once again open its doors in Middlesbrough town centre.
Gallery TS1 which showcases the work of young people, particularly those who have been unable to achieve success through more traditional routes, will be open for business in the first two weeks of February and again in the middle two weeks of March.
The work on display is produced by the latest group of participants to join this groundbreaking Creative Apprenticeship Scheme and is on sale to the public. The young group work with professional artists to create high quality, art and craft products, they also run the Gallery shop.
The scheme has been developed by Middlesbrough Council Cultural Services and is modelled on a similar programme in Chicago, USA. It was recently praised by Tony Goode, Arts Award Moderator who said:
“This is the second time I’ve visited candidates working from Gallery TS1 and I was again impressed by the quality of care and attention that candidates gave to compiling their folders.
“I was equally impressed by advice and support the young people were given – it was evident that they were being stretched and enjoying it immensely.
“An excellent centre with knowledgeable, committed and professional staff.”
Based at 57 Corporation Road the gallery and workshop targets hard-to-reach groups of young people who have been referred by agencies such as Connexions, Youth Justice, Youth Psychiatric Services, Teenage Pregnancy Support and the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership.
The Arts Award is run through a unique collaboration between Arts Council England and Trinity Guildhall. It provides an opportunity to accredit young people’s achievements in the creative arts at three levels – bronze, silver and gold. Young people who attend Gallery TS1 achieve a bronze award – in many cases this is the first qualification they have ever gained and provides validated achievement at NQF Level 1.
Gallery TS1 has worked with around 250 young people, previously disengaged from education and training, with over 90% of them going on to college or further vocational training. The scheme is funded through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Middlesbrough Partnership and is one of the most successful projects of its kind.
For more information contact Rowena Sommerville, Director of Programmes, Tees Valley Arts, Melrose House, Middlesbrough. TS1 2HZ. Telephone 01642 264651 or email info@teesvalleyarts.org.uk