Free sessions for 11-25 year olds
As work to transform the basement of Portsmouth Guildhall into The BASE; an exciting, new creative space for young people continues, a pilot programme of activities that are being tested for their suitability to take place in the new space will run between February and April with registration for the free sessions now open!
The pilot programme, supported by Youth Music’s Trailblazer fund, features an exciting and diverse programme of free workshops and sessions for 11-25 year olds including singing, songwriting, DJ, music, mural painting, visual art, dance, photography, spoken word and performance opportunities.
The creative courses and masterclasses delivered by industry professionals including Music Fusion, 432 NO-MADS, Folk Active and Mister SAMO, will give young people the opportunity to learn, collaborate and get 1:1 feedback whether they are trialling a new hobby, taking part in fun and engaging activities or wanting to take the next steps in a creative career.
The pilot programme has been informed by The BASE panel, an advisory group of 10 young people that has been formed to support the vision and development of the new creative space and the activities it will offer, to ensure that The BASE connects and meets the needs of young people throughout the city.
Working in partnership with City of Portsmouth College, students based at its Highbury campus as part of their work experience for a diploma in Art & Design, have created posters and social graphics to promote the pilot programme.
The BASE, due to be completed in late spring 2024, will be a safe and welcoming space for young people providing access to a band rehearsal room with backline equipment, a studio with a DJ mixing space, an AV suite with specialist software, a performance space and a lounge/exhibition area. The development will also see the transformation of the Guildhall’s main toilet facilities with a Changing Places facility to be provided.
Youth Arts Coordinator for The BASE, Jaz Manville said, “The launch of the pilot programme is a really exciting time as we start to test the workshops and activities that we would like to offer on a regular basis in The BASE when it opens later this year. It is so important that young people have a voice and we get their feedback on these sessions as the space will be entirely theirs, to be used as they want to use it, so we want to ensure the opportunities we offer match what they are looking for”.
Youth Music, the national charity supporting the pilot programme and youth advisory group, is funded by National Lottery via Arts Council England and players of People’s Postcode Lottery to invest in grassroots projects that make music more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible.
To find out full details and register for the free pilot programme sessions starting from 11th February, head to www.thebaseguildhall.com