Getting started

Pablo Picasso said that "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life".

Here are some places to do your washing:

Film, video
You can make short films at The Animation Station (01295) 221730 and get more advanced training from Oxford Film and Video Makers (01865) 792732 (free or cheap for people on benefit).

• www.ofvm.org

Visual arts
Fusion (01865) 245735 offers art, photography, video & more. Short courses at Oxford Printmakers Co-op (01865) 726472 targets young people aiming for a career in fine arts and charge a fee.

• www.fusion-arts.org

Music
If you’re trying to form a band you can get rehearsal space, recording facilities and support from Ark-T (01865) 773499, The Sweatbox (01235) 770577, The Net (01235) 521469 and The Courtyard (01869) 602545. There's also often practice space/support available at your local Youth Centre, School and local Projects like Truck Juniors.

• www.truckrecords.com

Theatre, Dance
The Oxford Youth Theatre (01865) 792209 gets young people involved in all aspects of live theatre. If you want to dance, the Oxford City Dance coordinator may be able to help.

• www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

General
Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership (01235) 522230 can advise on any art project. MAP offers accredited learning through all artforms in Bicester, Banbury, Witney (01295 252050).

• www.map-project.co.uk

MAP Multi-Arts Programme

MAP (Multi Arts Programme) is an ongoing arts programme for young people aged 16 - 25. It offers you the chance to follow your interests and learn new skills in a small, relaxed group.

MAP students come up with ideas for their own projects and have support and guidance from specialist workers. You don't need any experience - just an interest in something creative and the willingness to come along and try stuff out.

As well as your own projects, you'll take part in group projects with people your age. MAP is a chance to learn skills which will help in other areas of your life.

Most young people stay at MAP for 3 - 4 months and work at their own pace.

MAP runs for two or three days each week (varies depending on location - contact MAP from 10 - 4pm.
If you're interested, get in touch or ask a worker (your Connexions PA, for example) to contact us for you. (01295) 227 186.

• Key Link: MAP