Young people in Shepton Mallet are getting serious about arts! 

Ambassadors meet monthly at Paul Street Community Centre in Shepton Mallet.

Six primary schools across the town have selected 21 Arts ambassadors to represent their school from ages 6-11. Children are chosen for a range of reasons - for their passion for the arts, they might not be able to access this provision elsewhere, for the benefits it might bring to confidence, for the need for a space to stretch and grow creativity.

 

The groups are brought together as part of a project run by Make the Sunshine and supported by Mendip District Council and Shepton Mallet Town Council.

During the sessions young people learn about different art forms and team working skills - from drama to dance, puppetry to portraiture. They get to run question and answer sessions with professional performers and artists as well as exploring and deepening their understanding of arts in local area.

The scheme is accredited meaning that young people gain Arts Award Explore qualification as part of the programme which will be awarded by Trinity College in London.

One participant said “It was so fun. I loved meeting people from other schools. I loved all of it”

Sessions are run by Jane Barry, Louise Lappin-Cook and Holly Wilson. 

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Feedback from our Arts Ambassadors included:

100% said they had enjoyed the programme and learnt new things

100% wanted to continue

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"It has helped her confidence grow and shine. With this I would love for her to do more of this sort of thing", parent

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"XX has thoroughly enjoyed the Arts programme. She has learnt new techniques and been able to share them with her classmates at school. Thank you.", parent​

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This is a partnership project with St Paul's CofE VC Junior School, St Aldhelm's, Bowlish Infants, Shepton Mallet Infants, Croscombe and Stoke St Michael and Make the Sunshine.

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We have a new group of Arts Ambassadors starting in the spring. Young people are selected by schools as children who show leadership qualities in the arts or children who don't have access too but would benefit from additional arts provision.

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Upcoming sessions for 2025 at Paul Street Community Centre, 3:30 - 4:45pm

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Wednesday 12th February

Wednesday 12th March

Wednesday 23rd April

Wednesday 14th May

Wednesday 11th June

Wednesday 2nd July

Wednesday 16th July

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