Hi Hayley! Could you first introduce yourself for the reader?
I’m Hayley Beecher and I’m the Programmes Manager for darts (Doncaster Community Arts).
What happens at your organisation?
We design and deliver creative programmes which inspire learning, build good emotional health and strengthen professional practice for people of all ages who live, work or learn in Doncaster.
Our home, The Point, is a friendly and welcoming place which is open to all and is where we make and share art. We carry this ethos to all our creative workshops across Doncaster.
How did you get involved in the Discover! Creative Careers week?
We were invited to be a host organisation for schools and young people in Doncaster, along with Cast Theatre and Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery.
What did you offer to young people?
We welcomed pupils from Coppice School and South Axeholme Academy to The Point for a special glimpse into a creative industries career. Pupils got to enjoy meeting members of staff at The Point, learn about the creative careers they can aspire to, and discover the different pathways into those careers.
Afterwards, pupils used what they had learnt to create a dance routine – a great snapshot of the fun and excitement to be had in a creative career! Finally, pupils helped us to plan next year’s #PointFEST, our family-friendly festival which last year had an exciting superhero theme.
What activities were most popular for young people and why?
Students loved the backstage tour of The Point where they got to see first-hand our creative working spaces. They also enjoyed meeting darts staff and finding out about the variety of multi-disciplinary roles we have here.
From artists to makers, to musicians and performers, pupils enjoyed interviewing a diverse range of staff and discovering the many routes they can take into a creative career. Students were particularly inspired by the idea that a creative industries career can be a lot of fun, and something they can be passionate about.
Have you seen any change in the creative industries over the last few years? Is it positive or negative?
There’s an ever-growing range of opportunities in the creative industries. However, there are still challenges in securing funding for permanent positions, and creating clear pathways into these roles.
Now more than ever, we need to provide opportunities for children and young people so they can see, understand and experience the variety of creative roles that are available.
Is there anything you particularly want to promote to young people at the moment?
We have lots of exciting activities coming up at The Point for young people to enjoy.
From our Tuesday Art Clubs where they can develop their creative skills, to Wednesday Music Club – a free music club where they can try something new - young people are always welcome at The Point.
How can young people get involved in what you do beyond the Creative Careers week?
Take part! We provide highly-quality arts experiences for young people to help them discover their potential and ignite their imaginations. To find out more about our upcoming workshops, we’d recommend visiting www.thepoint.org.uk/whats-on
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