WORCESTER Arts Workshop celebrated a successful bid to the Worcester City Council Inclusive Growth grant scheme with a special event to launch their new ‘Pathways to Employment’ project.
The new scheme which will create training and job opportunities for eight local residents, including emerging artists, existing volunteers and young people.
Attendees included city councillors, trustees, and other local organisations delivering the Inclusive Growth programme were treated to a guided viewing of an LGBTQ History Month visual arts exhibition by Worcester-based artist Samantha Jane Eagle.
Demonstrations from other local emerging artists singer Hannah Law and painter Lizzie Raine were also on the menu.
Local resident Rachel Troth, one of the workshops longest serving volunteers spoke about how the project is helping her to take on the role of caretaker.
“I’ve volunteered at WAW for more than 12 years. The arts centre is very important to me and the local community as a safe space. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to now work there.”
Hannah Phillips, director of transformation at Worcester Arts Workshop said: “A major part of our aim at Worcester Arts Workshop is to work with vulnerable, marginalised and hard to reach individuals, communities and young people.
“As an inclusive organisation, we hope the Pathways to Employment project will open up opportunities to individuals who face prejudice, negativities and barriers to employment.
“This includes emerging artists who should be encouraged to see themselves as professionals and receive paid commissions for their hard work and expertise.
“We are very grateful to Worcester City Council for this grant, to enable us to provide professional training, create new local jobs and foster creativity in our organisation.”
Coun Lucy Hodgson, chair of the City Council’s Place and Economic Development Sub Committee said: “The Inclusive Growth programme is all about bringing the hidden talents of out of work residents back into the economy.
“This project meets all the objectives by upskilling and creating jobs for people who are most disadvantaged in the jobs market to support the city’s fast growing creative and cultural sector.”
Further visual arts commissions from the Pathways To Employment project will include a Womens’ Exhibition by a local artist during March 2019 as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.
