Issued: 21 November 2002
Arts Development Group
An arts development group for people with learning disabilities is proposed for Angus.
The move to set up an Angus-wide group was welcomed by social work convener Glennis Middleton. "The idea is to create an arts group focusing on individual's abilities, run by them and linking up with other community groups. We know there is widespread interest in the arts and people have already indicated they are willing to get involved in a planning group.
"It is intended to have a wide range of arts available including drama, dancing, music, film, creative writing and photography - all of which will help to develop the individual's skills and abilities.
"The group will have support from the council via social work and the arts officer of Cultural Services but it will operate at arms length from the council, making it easier for the group to access additional external funding."
The council is also leading an East of Scotland group in applying for a Scottish Arts Council project development grant to explore ways in which visual artwork partnerships for different areas and agencies can be taken forward. The £5,000 grant, if awarded, would be used to fund a worker and consultant support for research and preparation of a further grant application for some form of studios/arts network most appropriate for people with learning disabilities.