The progress so far in Edinburgh

Fri 12th July 2019

Since the CashBack to the Future programme started at the beginning of July, our artists and assistants have not stopped working. Do you want to get a sneak peek into what our young participants have been doing during these three weeks and what they are preparing for the showcase? We have asked the participants and tutors and these were their answers.

 

To what extent do you choose to wear what you wear? How is your identity conveyed through your appearance? The young participants in the performance group have explored the history of those illustrious figures that broke the social rules of clothing and appearance in the past. From investigating the story of Coco Chanel, who championed previously male-dominated sporty and casual chic for women; to the biography of Maud Stevens Wagner, the first known female tattoo artist in the US; the young participants have reflected on how the clothes they wear, their hair and make-up are elements of self-expression. Taking pen and paper they have put their thoughts down on identity, expression and fashion choices.

Visiting the Wild and Majestic exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, this group was captivated by the huge selection of tartans showcased and the history relating to the highland clearances. These aspects, combined with artefacts on the history of weaving elsewhere in the museum, have inspired the young people to create a spoken word piece and dance using wool, largely influenced by the motions of looms.

 

 

Elsewhere in the museum, the visual arts team focused on the landscapes in the collection, sketching incredible views of Scotland. The young people then used their sketches as a blueprint to create tactile weaves.

 

 

Although ‘Enjoy the Silence’ is not particularly something that a musician would say, this has been one of the songs that the music group has chosen to bring the participants to play together and get to know each other. As Conal, one of the tutors highlights, “music can help build team work and release emotions in a positive way”. The music group explored the tradition of Scottish music and have begun learning and updating some old Scottish songs. Objects from the National Museum of Scotland and Scottish slang words have inspired them to create melodies.

 

Lexus, in the previous photo, said:

 

This workshop brings people together and everyone is comfortable.

You learn a lot about people and how you can help them become better.

Music takes your mind off other problems. It is like a therapy. It makes you focus on something else for a while”.

 

If you go to the National Museum of Scotland, you might be unexpectedly interviewed by Nicole, one intrepid reporter from the digital art group.

Nicole loves interviewing people and dreams of becoming a news anchor or to work in a radio station. From the beginning of this programme, she has observed an improvement in her recording skills, camera abilities and communication, which are important for her future career plans.

The digital team have also had a jam packed week animating and filming a variety of different scenes all dealing with interesting and diverse subjects. Heritage is a central theme that runs throughout individual work and inspiration from the museum is being presented through an eclectic range of mediums. From documentary film making, to stop motion animation, the digital group have tackled it all.

 

 

Want a bit more information about the Cashback to the Future? Download our new Brochure for 2019!

If you have any questions, please contact Impact Arts on 0141 575 3001 or email cashback@impactarts.co.uk.

 

Cashback to the Future is funded by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities initiative, which backs projects supporting disadvantaged young people.

CashBack to the Future is supported by National Museums Scotland through funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Kick the Dust programme.

In North Ayrshire, CashBack to the Future is supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Young Roots Fund.

A special thanks to our community partners, Glasgow Kelvin College, National Museum of Scotland, Ayrshire College, and Tannahill Centre.

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