Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB in partnership with NYCI’s National Youth Arts Programme has been selected to develop a Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) in their ETB region. The aim of these partnerships is to develop stronger links between the arts, cultural, heritage sector and the youth work sector in each of the three counties. These partnership aims to provide more opportunities for young people to engage with creative activities in out-of-school settings with a particular focus on those that are most marginalised or that experience disadvantage.
Speaking about the LCYP, Tom Grady, Chief Executive of MSLETB said that “We are delighted and honoured to be chosen by Creative Ireland to establish a Local Creative Partnership in our ETB region. These partnerships present real and exciting opportunities for the children and young people in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim. We look forward to working with all our partners in expanding young people’s access to creative activities and initiatives”.
Rhona Dunnett, National Youth Arts Programme Manager at the National Youth Council of Ireland said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with MSLETB to shape a new Local Creative Youth Partnership with young people and workers from the non-formal education, creative and cultural sectors in Mayo , Sligo and Leitrim. We’re really excited to be part of a project that will nurture the creative potential of all young people, particularly those who are most marginalised.”
The remit of these partnerships goes beyond that of the arts and includes cultural and creative activities in all spheres e.g. heritage, culture, STEAM, entrepreneurship etc. The voice of children and young people is central to the work of the partnership. MSLETB and NYCI will consult with young people throughout the lifetime of this partnership to ascertain their opinion and views on creativity, which will in turn inform the LCYP work plan. This consultation will be supported by Hub na nÓg, the national centre of excellence and co-ordination on giving children and young people a voice in decision-making with a particular focus on those that are seldom heard.
Work is currently taking place between the MSLETB and NYCI to finalise details for the LCYP to be rolled out.
