30 July 2024
In December 2021 I was the recipient of the Broadening Access to Dance Award and planned to use this funding to support my lockdown project, PACE Youth Arts. PACE (Perform Achieve Create Educate) is an outreach programme that offers free access to the arts for children at-risk.
Stages one and two of the grant were successfully used in the production of PACE Creative Camp in April 2022. For one week I hosted a group of students at Bird College, who generously support PACE with their state-of-the-art facilities.
"The Creative Camp was such a success, that I knew it was necessary to create another opportunity for the students to look forward to, as well as to begin to create a sustainable future for the programme."
The week offered dance, singing, acting and music, crafts, mindfulness, and the student favourite – cooking club. All the activities are centred around developing confidence, self-esteem, trust, and relationships, as well as offering nutritional guidance and life skills, which these students otherwise might not have the opportunity to nurture.
We welcomed four guest teachers throughout the week, all outstanding industry professionals who taught the students a short piece to be performed on the final day. Throughout the week I encouraged the students to take responsibility for all aspects of their performance, including producing posters, programmes, tickets, organising refreshments and hosting their audience on the day.
"The Broadening Access to Dance Award gave me insight into PACE's potential for at-risk children. Witnessing its positive impact, I'm fully committed to its ongoing development and success."
During this week I saw all the students grow not only in confidence, but in their social etiquette, performance technique and commitment. Older students transitioned from dominating the group to being kind leadersfor the younger members, children whose behaviour had suffered managed to grasp the rules we agreed on as a group, and by the end of the week had vastly improved their professional conduct.
The Creative Camp was such a success, that I knew it was necessary to create another opportunity for the students to look forward to, as well as to begin to create a sustainable future for the programme. I personally fundraised £1000 to host a summer camp and this, combined with the income from paying students, allowed me to host another full week of classes with a final performance. On running this second camp, I immediately recognised not only the benefit that PACE provides to its participants, but how essential it is that it is run regularly. Almost all the Creative Camp participants returned, along with several new students, all of whom are eager to come again.
The third phase of the grant was set to support an in-school programme, which would offer four shorter workshops within school time, for students who were not able to access the holiday programmes. This phase was much more difficult to get off the ground than anticipated, since schools were interested and positive about the programme, however reluctant to confirm and book with the extensive procedures that come with caring for SEN or at-risk children and the families involved.
"Activities focus on building confidence, self-esteem, trust, and relationships, while providing nutritional guidance and life skills to students who may otherwise lack such opportunities."
It is also, understandably, a leap of faith on their part, as PACE is very much still a small, independent programme, and struggles to compete with already established, larger funded charities. I fully believe that there is space in the curriculum for our programme but am also learning that if we want to run effectively, then at this time there needs to be more growth within PACE as a business to appeal to and access an already established school system.
PACE aims to become a registered Community Interest Company (CIC) for funding and programme expansion. However, it's crucial to prioritise one element at a time to ensure long-term sustainability. Overextending resources may jeopardize the programme's effectiveness.
The remaining bursary was approved to support our PACE programme in August 2023, enabling me to continue the training and activities that the students have previously enjoyed and gain momentum to open up the programme on a weekly basis in Autumn 2023. I need to maintain fundraising and the infinite cycle of seeking sponsorship and planning events to gain the funds we need to keep moving.
"Through the successes and adversities of PACE this year, I've grown as an artist, teacher, and business owner."
It is paramount to mention that the success of PACE thus far is also largely thanks to the support of our host and supporter, Bird College, who generously donate their extraordinary facilities to the programme. It is a privilege to be able to welcome PACE students to this space and a great source of inspiration for them as they glimpse the magical world of theatre, which they could one day be a part of. Thank you to Luis De Abreu and Bird College for believing in our tiny acorn. We strive to equalise access to the arts so that one day PACE students may seek to enter these spaces as professionals and have the confidence, ability, and opportunity to do so.
Through the successes and adversities of PACE this year, I've grown as an artist, teacher, and business owner. Our arts programme stands out for its exceptional training and focus on valuable life skills, filling a unique role in our community.
The Broadening Access to Dance Award has provided me with a clear understanding of the immense potential PACE holds in offering opportunities to at-risk children. Witnessing the positive impact it has had, I am fully dedicated to the continuous development and effort required to ensure its success.
PACE is very much still growing, I welcome any advice, questions or feedback surrounding PACE and welcome your support.
If you would like to donate to PACE then you can do so at PACE's website, and follow @PACEyoutharts on social media.
Written by Helen Duffy, founder of PACE Youth Arts
