Ynot?
[Sunderland] 2003 to present
Ynot? is an ongoing programme of arts activities for young people (16-21) living in the Sunderland area. The programme is particularly focussed on the aspirations of young parents and those leaving care.
The broad aims of the project are to provide young people with the opportunity to:
- develop new skills and interests;
- experience working alongside professional creative practitioners;
- identify and explore employment, training and educational possibilities;
- develop their confidence and self-esteem;
- interact with others in a creative, dynamic and enjoyable environment.
Ynot? also aims to:
- create opportunities for positive work with disaffected young people;
- increase participation in the service (Young People's Services);
- encourage and develop positive peer education;
- engage young fathers.
Activities generally take place all day on Fridays at The Place in Hendon. Activities organised to date include drama, creative writing, film and video production, DJing skills and music production, visual arts, graphic design, animation and street dance. Young people involved with the project since its inception include those accessing the departments responsible for those leaving care, young parents, young offenders and young homeless people.
For more information, please visit www.ynotproject.com
Since 2003 the project participants have created several pieces of high-quality work including spoken-word CDs, a number of short films, a book celebrating the group's work between 2003 and 2005 and a combined book and DVD based around street dance.
During 2007 the group were commissioned by the Sunderland Empire Theatre and Sunderland City Arts Team to produce a set of graffiti boards that were used during the staging of We Will Rock You at the Sunderland Empire.
The group is currently working with writer Paul Summers, graphic designer Tommy Anderson and illustrator Bethan Laker to create a children's book called The Lost Rainbow which the group will then market and distribute.
