Impact Arts

Young people on our Creative Pathways employability programme in North Ayrshire last night auctioned off beautifully-crafted pieces of furniture they upcycled as part of the ten week course.

Wardrobes, tables, cabinets, chairs and mirrors went under the hammer at Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Company.

The group – all aged 16 and 17 and not in work or education – have been sanding, painting and redesigning furniture donated by Cunninghame in order to stop it going to landfill.

Almost £200 was raised on the evening, and this will go back into creative programmes run by Impact Arts. The remaining items can be bid for online up until Thursday 14th December 2017.

Partially funded by Skills Development Scotland’s Employability Fund, the course has taught practical skills while offering one-to-one support with job hunting and CV writing.

As well as developing massively as artists and designers through working with our artists Portia and Emmett, a number gained employment and college places off the back of the programme and Impact Arts will continue to offer support as others go for interviews.

Jamie and Declan are two participants who worked together to upcycle a TV cabinet which was sold on the night. They speak positively about how Creative Pathways has helped them.

Jamie, 17, said: “It’s
been really good fun. I’ve learned new skills, met new people, and the tutors have been great – very kind, friendly and fun to work with.

“I knew I wanted to joinery and carpentry beforehand, and being on this course has helped a lot with getting to practice that side of things.

“If you ever get the opportunity to go to Impact Arts, I’d say definitely take it. It’s not just about getting you out there – it also boosts your confidence, it’s really helpful and it’s a good laugh as well.”

Declan, 17, said: “I’d
never really worked with my hands before joining the course. Coming here and working on the TV cabinet made me realise that this is what I want to do.

“I enjoyed drawing, sketching things out and then making things. I didn’t even know this would be something I could do before I came here, but ten weeks later I know it’s what I want to do in the future.

“It was great to see things were actually selling as well! Loads of folk came and the majority of stuff has sold. It’s a good feeling seeing it go to charity as well.”

The programme is funded also by Our Bright Future, which backs projects encouraging young people to lead environmental change in their communities.

The partnership with Cunninghame Housing Association has also put environmental issues into focus, as the young people’s work helped stop this furniture going unused or to landfill.

Nicola Wood co-ordinated the project for Impact Arts.

She says: “It’s been great to have recycling as a big part
of this project, as green issues are always really important for the young
people we work with.”

“The young people have been brilliant. They have taken to
the woodworking techniques and employment side of the course really well, and
selling their work at a public event will be great for their
confidence.”

The programme is funded by Skills Development Scotland,
Inspiring Scotland, Tesco Bags of Help, Clydesdale Bank, Cunninghame Housing
Association and Our Bright Future.