From backstage tours at the Almeida theatre to tickets for orchestral concerts, pupils in Islington are being offered the opportunity to immerse themselves in the arts for free.
This week Islington council launched the 11 by 11 programme, which aims to give all students at least 11 cultural opportunities by the age of 16.
More than 40 organisations including Sadler’s Wells, the Barbican and Angel Comedy Club will take part, hosting exclusive events in the summer term.
“Experiencing live dance performances as a child can be transformational.”
“They introduce new ways of looking at the world, unlock imaginations and can be the catalyst for developing a lifelong interest in dance and the arts,” the director of learning and engagement at Sadler’s Wells, Joce Giles said.
The dance theatre is offering students free tickets to performances by youth troupes to promote engagement with the arts.
Up the road at the Almeida, school children will be able to try their hand at being a theatre producer for the day and putting together their own dream production.
The theatre is committed to providing free access for local youth.
“Islington as a borough has high levels of child poverty. We are committed to providing free opportunities both within our core programme and through 11 by 11 to break down the barriers that a large proportion of children and young people in our borough may face to accessing the theatre,” a spokesperson said.
“Every young person in Islington deserves these chances.”
“And we are confident that the 11 by 11 partnership will provide life-changing experiences – which will wake creative talents, fire up imaginations and set ambitions.
“We want to remove any barriers our young people might face which prevent them from taking full advantage of the fantastic opportunities on their doorstep, including the many and varied careers options in these industries,” Islington councillor Kaya Comer-Schwartz, executive member for children, young people and families said.
Local schools are invited to apply for activities from this week onwards.
