YOUNG Design by Stewart MacKellar

WelcomeWelcome

Our partners and funders:

THE HIVEi

A very Happy New Year from the Hive team!

Whilst we look forward to 2014 we will be taking time to reflect as we commemorate the centenary of World War One.

At the end of 2013 the world mourned Nelson Mandela – this remarkable man was born in 1918 - just as WW1 ended and it is somewhat appropriate that our focus for this year’s programme will be about courage, freedom, unity, friendship and peace – the very mantra of Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life.

Hive projects in 2014 will have a strong focus on this theme and – as ever – children and young people will be at the forefront of our programme. There will be opportunities for young people to share the experience of older members of our community and to engage in activities that bring people together.

The Hive is very proud of its creative work with children and young people.

If you’re interested in supporting the Hive’s commitment to provide art and cultural opportunities for children and young people in Shropshire, please contact Alyson Lanning via email: alyson@hiveonline.org.uk

Please see our young people profiles over the next few pages – these talented individuals all have a story to tell and we are delighted to be working with them at the Hive to help them realise their dreams and aspirations.

Alyson Lanning

Director

Case Studies

www.hiveonline.org.uk

Case Studies

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I am Elliott Edwards and I live near Bridgnorth. I’m 17 years old and I have been visiting the Hive since I was a little baby in arms who went to see visiting puppet shows. When I was 12, I rediscovered the Hive with a weekly animation workshop called Moviedrome...

These workshops were the foundation of the comedic style that I still aim to create with every film & video I make.

Since I was 13, the Hive accepted me as one of their volunteers and I have been volunteering ever since by creating Christmas e-cards, helping out with setting up for gigs and visiting artists and helping out with film and animation workshops alongside the workshop leaders.

All this volunteer work has gone towards various awards and qualifications; such as my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and the ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness.

Case study: ElliotA film-maker’s perspective

Fran is 14 years old and a Shropshire Young Carer; she lives in Shrewsbury. She first became involved with the Hive during a band-building week in February 2013.

One of Fran’s hobbies is music and she says “I’ve always been musical ever since I was a child and I like doing the music-making with professionals. Taking part in the music-making has always been positive for me!”

In the future, Fran wants to do something which is music focused – and she will be undertaking her work experience with the Hive in 2014. “I chose the Hive for my work experience as it will help me find out what I want to do in the future involving music.”

The best experience for Fran personally has been listening to the final audio recordings after all their hard work as a group.

“The Hive has brought music to my attention and because of the Hive; I had the confidence to audition for Britain’s Got Talent last year. I also developed the confidence to perform at the Oxjam Open Mic at the Hive too.”

Case study: FranA Young Carer’s perspective

Not Completely Blonde

Arts Award

Case StudiesCase Studies

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Case study: BethA musician’s perspective

From the first time I performed at the Hive I knew it was an incredibly special place! It’s so unusual to have somewhere that is so completely dedicated to creativity, yet they are also helping people in and around their community.

As part of Not Completely Blonde, I have since performed numerous times at the Hive, including for the Bazaars and Live at the Hive sessions - and they are definitely some of the most vibrant gigs we have ever played.

More recently I have been involved in working with the Shropshire Young Carers, after they approached us with the idea of recording a track they had written as part of a workshop. We fell in love with the idea and after meeting the young people that had written the song, I soon fell in love with them too.

I am so incredibly grateful to the Hive for this opportunity as it has definitely been one of the most fulfilling moments of my life to date.

After working with the Young Carers I was asked to do a band building workshop with a group of adults from Severnside Housing; and of course I leapt at the chance being in a band myself. Being young, yet feeling like I could impart my knowledge onto others older than myself, having them fully listening, was such a surreal but amazing experience.

I have absolutely loved every moment working in the Hive, but it wouldn’t be where it was without the fantastic people that work there, the musicians that run the workshops and absolutely everyone involved. Every team member puts everything into their work and I certainly feel very privileged to be able to call myself part of the Hive team.

Arts Award

Case Studies

Arts Award

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I’m Louis – I’m 17 years old and live in Hadley, Telford. I first became involved with the Hive over 5 years ago, when I took part in B-Sound music projects. I attended gigs with my friends and in 2011 also took part in a street dance project.

The best experience was definitely my first dance solo – I’d never taken to dance in such a big way until the street dance project! The workshop leader C# was amazing, he came to my school after the Hive programme to run workshops - and said I had real skills to develop. He mentored me and I’m now at New College, Telford studying the Performing Arts and Dance BTEC Subsidiary Diploma.

I want to choreograph for music videos and films- I’m aiming for the highest goal I can get! I am applying for the BA (Hons) Dance: Urban Practice course at East London University. I listen to music every day; it’s such a big part of my life and the Hive’s projects helped me learn to play instruments.

Dance is my life and my passion. It got me through everything including some tough times. I was a rebel at school and used to get into trouble until I started dancing and my life changed. Two years on I was Deputy Head Boy and now I’m learning and teaching dance - it’s my thing to rely on.

The Hive’s given me things to do. If I hadn’t come to the gigs in the evenings I would have been hanging around with the wrong people doing things I shouldn’t have been doing. I owe a lot to the Hive and C# - it’s brought everything together piece by piece, like a puzzle. The Hive puts a smile on your face, as no-one ever feels left out and everyone’s equal.

Case study: LouisA dancer’s perspective

Arts Award is a national qualification which supports young people ages 7-25 to develop as artists and arts leaders. As an Arts Award Supporter, the Hive offers accreditation within most projects and runs informal drop-in sessions for general advice and guidance.

Drop-ins are every month on the second Tuesday (2pm – 5pm) and last Thursday (4pm – 6pm).

For more information: www.artsaward.org.uk

Arts Award