New Shoes Get Started: Creative Writing and Poetry

“I wouldn’t call this session creative writing and poetry I would call it freethinking”

Thursday 18^th February saw Suriya Roberts-Grey lead a Creative Writing and Poetry workshop as part of New Shoes Get Started at mac birmingham.

The group were introduced to Spoken Word Poetry, some for the first time, and then asked to write and perform their own pieces using their own experiences and opinions. Many of the group admitted that they weren’t given enough opportunities to think freely and said that they enjoyed it very much.

“The best bit was being given time to think & express how I feel about what goes on in life”

“I enjoyed it, today got me stress free and not thinking about bad stuff”

“It has been inspiring and has made me want to write about my feelings more”

Everyone who took part felt as though they gained something from the session.

“I left with my own piece of spoken word poetry that I created!”

“It got me to think about how I can say what I’m thinking in a positive way”

“It was well put together and very positive, thank you”

From the reaction of the participants, it’s clear that the arts can be used to effect change within people… and possibly even the world. Well done everyone.

If you’d like to get involved in New Shoes Get Started please visit our website. 

New Shoes Ger Started: Film Making

On Thursday 4^th February 2016 New Shoes Get Started welcomed members of Princes Trust Fairbridge Project into mac birmingham for a Film-making workshop with the very experienced Scott Johnson.

Young people came up with their own concept for a short film with the guidance of Scott, and then set themselves the task of writing a script, performing it and shooting it – all in under two hours!

“The best part was getting ideas down and then actually managing to work with them and use them in our film”

This process enabled individuals to learn new skills, they commented “I learnt how to hold the lights, camera and microphone which I had never done before” and “it was good to have a go at developing our own ideas.”

Most of the young people felt that the workshop had helped them to discover or rediscover their creative abilities, in fact three members of this group came along to our New Shoes Live Project session later on that day. I guess they just couldn’t get enough. Even those people who didn’t feel as though they were going to pursue a career in the arts said they enjoyed it because “we experienced new things that were fun”

Although some members of the group had joined us on the Photography workshop, most people had not engaged with mac birmingham’s Next Generation programme before but everyone rated the services as excellent. Young Izaac said “great team, always seeking to build or work on young people’s skills.”

If you are interested in taking part in FREE creative workshops, check out our current New Shoes Get Started Program. 

New Shoes Get Started: Photopgraphy

On Thursday 21^st January 2016 established photographer Kate Green led a New Shoes Get Started workshop at mac birmingham but when members of Princes Trust Fairbridge Project entered the first creative session of the year, the shared emotion was apprehension as pointed out by Daisie “the start was a little slow, I thought it was too quiet but it soon warmed up and got better. I think it was just nerves because it was our first introduction.” But as Daisie mentioned, it didn’t take long for the group to get involved, within no time they were exploring  Cannon Hill Park, taking abstract photographs and playing around with Light Painting techniques.

“Photography was really good and got everyone really excited, I enjoyed having fun doing arty things. There was a friendly atmosphere, it was easy to settle and enjoy learning new skills.”

 “I think the light painting was the best bit, it enabled us to work as a team, it broke down barriers for people making us feel more comfortable”

As mentioned by one of the participants, the Light Painting went down a treat, not only was it fun but it allowed participants to practise new skills.

“I learnt the science behind how a camera works”

“It allowed me to experience taking abstract photos, which allowed me to think from different perspectives”

“Today I worked well with another person and worked well in a group which can be difficult for me.”

“Today my confidence developed, I learnt more than I thought I would”

“I allowed myself to develop listening skills. Rather than solely focusing on what I wanted to do, I worked with my partner and listened to their input”

One young person was so inspired they bought a camera the very next day and signed up to one of our photography courses at mac birmingham despite the fact that she had never done photography or taken part in Next Generation projects before.

Feedback from the group stated that the only way the session could have been improved was by making it longer, at which point us at the Next Gen Team dust of our shoulders and do the dougie. Result.

Well done Princes Trust and well done Kate.

New Shoes Live Project

Thu, 5 - 8pm weekly | 16-24yrs | FREE

The New Shoes Live Project is a collaborative project between mac birmingham’s Next Generation Programme and Beatfreeks. This group is set up for people who are serious about developing their creative and entrepreneurial skills within a professional environment. It provides young people with an insight into a creative process and helps them to develop a good work ethic.

The group are currently supported by two dedicated mentors, Tara Buckley and Luci Hammans, and meet every Thursday from 5pm - 8pm at mac birmingham.

Young people who take part in workshops can:

• Tap into the resources of Beatfreeks and mac birmingham e.g. space, mentoring support, opportunities to connect with professional artists
• Learn new or build upon existing creative skill bases
• Develop organisational, marketing and leadership skills within the context of planning a project
• Practise transferable skills such as teamwork, peer to peer learning and self-confidence.
• Develop ideas and bring them to life
• Network and take part in wider opportunities within the artistic scene in Birmingham
• Use your unique experiences to carve out your own individual path
• Opportunity to achieve an Bronze or Silver Arts Award

It’s not too late to get involved in the planning. If you are interested or would like to find out more email nextgen@macbirmingham.co.uk or keep your eyes peeled for our up and coming events.

New Shoes: Get Started Project

FREE
16-25 Years

Have you ever wanted to get involved in the arts but not been presented with the opportunity? 

Well now is your time, mac birmingham’s Next Generation Team have organised a super packed series of taster sessions in a range of creative mediums, for you to enjoy. We host regular sessions in Photography, Film-making, Dance, Craft, Comedy, Poetry and Creative Writing and we want YOU to get involved.

If you are aged between 16-24 years and rarely take part in creative activities or want to start taking your craft more seriously then come on down to one of our open workshops which usually happen on Thursdays from 2pm till 4.30pm.

If you would like to book, or if you would like to find out more please email the Next Generation team nextgen@macbirmingham.co.uk.

Through the Get Started Project we also work in partnership with The Princes Trust, offering a range of creative workshops as part of their regular provision for young people in challenging circumstances.

For more information about the Princes Trust Fairbridge programme please contact Amelia.McMahon@princes-trust.org.uk

New Shoes: BE Next Project

FREE

BE FESTIVAL and mac birmingham’s Next Generation programme are offering young people aged 14 – 19 who speak English as an additional language, the opportunity to learn different arts skills through a series of workshops, starting Saturday 16th January with a digital music workshop.

So why don’t you try something new and learn some new skills! You can come along to one workshop or try them all. Plus you can:

• Get your travel expenses paid for
• Get a recognised qualification through Arts Award
• Work with professional artists
• Create a theatre performance
• Create a radio show

Full details of all the workshops are available here

To book your place or for more information contact Jenny from BE FESTIVAL at jenny@befestival.org or call or text on 07967 187822.