In today's society, we've come so far with technology – smartphones are a necessity, laptops are at our fingertips, and the internet is basically our lifeline. But is it really worth it?

A new blog by Arts Award Youth Network Project Manager, Emrys Green, sharing insights and ideas from his experience of doing and advising on Arts Award. Informal ramblings designed to give some useful information about how you can achieve your own Gold Arts Award.

If you read my first post, then you'll known that I have the privilege of managing the Arts Award Youth Network. We run events and activities to support young people interested in the arts and Arts Award.

OK so I will give you a run down of my arts story, but the prevailing point I want to make is that everybody is unique. You will have your own experiences, your own opportunities, and can master your own arts story.

Who says it best? The most informative videos about the importance of creative technology from an early age.

Becky Bruzas completed her Bronze Arts Award at Carousel and is about to embark on her Silver for their project Curing Perfect, as part of Arts Award's 10 Month Pledge.

Well, here on Voice it's 'affordable art' month and I know that's handy after the Christmas splurge. For me it's not about the Boxing Day spend bonanza, or even the cost of presents. It's the cost of travel to see everyone and the meals out!

Me and music go back a long, long way. But recently...let's just say things are a bit complicated. Here's what happened:

Curing Perfect is an online graphic novel that explores stem cell biology, presented by Creative Mind's Carousel. We caught up with Becky Bruzas, speaker at Curing Perfect and Sarah Gordy, networker and presenter at Curing Perfect to find out more.

Holly is the Lead Programmer of the WHYFest 2015 at the Southbank Centre. What is Happening for the Young is a festival aimed to create awareness of the rights of the youth and encourage them to use their voice. In this interview, Holly gives me an insight into her own career path and some of the highlights of this weekend.

As part of the What's Happening for the Young Festival that took place at the Southbank Centre this weekend, Subjectivity UK held a talk entitled "Crime and Punishment Vs. the Youth". This discussion incorporated performance and specialist speakers to look at issues inspired by an article from the UN Convention.

Mary Strickson was an Arts Award Voice Reporter from 2014-15, and is now a regular contributor to the magazine. She is also close to finishing her Silver Arts Award.