ArtsConnect
Eastbourne College was delighted to host the showcase for ArtsConnect on 22 May at the Birley Centre. It was a wonderful celebration of all the work that has been going on over the past ten weeks here at the College, as well as at the De La Warr Pavilion and All Saint’s, Lewes.
An audience of well over 100 were treated to dance performances, film showings and a spectacular performance by Delta7, the band that were formed as part of the project under the leadership of Richard Phoenix. Delta7 also produced a CD and provided musical soundtrack for the films.
ArtsConnect was a programme of arts courses for young adults with Learning Disabilities. The programme aimed to introduce young adults to a range of different arts experiences, making art a part of their day-to-day lives. It was commissioned by East Sussex County Council’s Adult and Social Care team and was funded by Sussex Learning Solutions, East Sussex Arts Partnership and Arts Award with support from De La Warr Pavilion, Eastbourne College and the Towner Gallery.
The course ran for ten weeks from February to May 2014 and the young people involved met at the College every Thursday and were given access to the Birley Centre recording facilities. Sessions were delivered by a lead artist working with an Arts Award adviser and project coordinator. Eastbourne College pupils, Anna Commins, Eloise Hodgson and Tom Page were volunteers on the project.
When asked about his involvement in the project Tom commented: ‘Thank you for giving me the opportunity! I would love to do another one soon.’
