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.

Gold is about preparing you for the creative industries - in a way A levels don't often do (in my opinion). Keeping a broad cultural experience is exciting.

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.

Defining popular culture is an interesting feat. Here's my interpretation and how it helps you achieve Gold.

I consider film to be one of the most useful arts mediums that can be used by any artist. Why?

Shakespeare has been a hot topic for the last month and I've thoroughly enjoyed the range of content produced by our own team, our new youth network team members, and well of course you all creating some interesting reviews and items.

Through December Arts Award Voice has been running a theme selected by the Ikon Youth Programme, hidden cities. When I was in conversations with them over 2 months ago (wow time has flown) there were all sorts of ideas for a theme, food art being one. But this post isn't about what could have been, it's about what is.

Well here we are, embracing 2014 with a vengeance. Is this the year you'll achieve your artistic ambitions? Perhaps it will be the year you get your Gold Arts Award!

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!

Life's a laugh sometimes isn't it? And frankly so can be gaining your qualifications!

I'm doing something unusual right now, creating a short blog post direct to Arts Award Voice. I've just been spurred straight in to action

I'm taking a slightly new slant this month. Partly because I've been terrible over the summer and ashamedly got out of the habit of my regular blogging. But I hope that this blog becomes a useful resource for our exciting new Gold Hub - a dedicated collection of resources and support on Voice to help you complete your Gold Arts Award - so I'm going to improve the regularity.