The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson paid a visit to WHALE Arts today to announce that the organisation is one of 32 others across Scotland who will receive over a quarter of a million pounds of funding through the CashBack for Creativity Open Fund.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson met with local youngsters involved in an Indian Dance Project, supported through the programme and delivered in partnership between WHALE Arts and Dance Ihayami, that will enable young people in Wester Hailes to participate in Indian dance, choreography, costume and set design and music activities.
CashBack for Creativity is administered by YouthLink Scotland on behalf of Creative Scotland and is funded through the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme, which redistributes the proceeds of crime to benefit young people.
The fund offers a chance for young people to access a range of high-quality arts, screen and creative industries activities including filmmaking, fashion, design, arts and crafts, dance creations, music making and creative writing.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said:
Today’s investment of £252,000 in 32 CashBack for Creativity projects underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling inequalities across Scotland by helping young people reach their full potential in life.
Since 2008 we have committed £92 million to CashBack and other community programmes with £6.3 million invested in CashBack for Creativity initiatives. I am keen to ensure that such opportunities continue to be provided to help young people develop skills for the workplace, gain confidence and find employment.
Laura Black, Arts Officer – CashBack for Creativity, Creative Scotland said:
The CashBack for Creativity Fund provides essential creative opportunities to Scotland’s young people to raise their aspirations for future employment and build confidence and self-esteem while also having fun in their communities.
The first round of the CashBack for Creativity Open Fund supported over 34 projects, providing access to hundreds of young people who are now producing, creating and exhibiting their own work. For many this is the first time they’ve been able to access creative opportunities.
WHALE Arts Chief Executive Leah Black said:
The WHALE Arts team are delighted to have received funding from CashBack for Creativity for the Inspire Indian Dance Project in partnership with Dance Ihayami which will allow young people to participate in Indian dance, choreography, costume and set design and music activities at WHALE Arts Centre in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh.
We are pleased to welcome Michael Matheson to WHALE, in partnership with Dance Ihayami, for the launch of the CashBack Open Fund, and look forward to introducing the dancers and young people involved, and discussing the wider community-led creative programme that takes place at WHALE and across Wester Hailes.
WHALE Arts Creative Programme Manager Kate Griffin said:
This exciting project will lead to a Summer school for Indian Dance taking place through July as part of our Summer programme, culminating in a performance at WHALE Arts designed, performed and choreographed by young people.
