Getting into art

Art is often seen as something you do on your own, but lots of people enjoy joining groups, classes or clubs which make some sort of art. There are lots of advantages to getting together with other artists:

• Meet other people interested in the same thing
• Take part in events and shows
• Group discounts on classes, materials, etc.

There are plenty of places and projects where you can link up with other young artists locally.

Young People's Centres

Many of Oxfordshire's Young People's centres run regular art clubs, where you can take part in everything from scrap-booking to painting murals. If they don't have one yet, you can ask them to set one up. Young People's Centres are there to provide the project and clubs that you want.

Some also host events during holidays where you get the chance to work alongside professional musicians, film-makers, photographers and artists.

• Find your local Young People's Centre

Whatever you're into

There are lots of different places to find arts clubs and projects you'll enjoy in Oxfordshire:

• Arts organisations
• Museums, galleries and libraries
• Festivals like Blast, the Oxford Literary Festival and Summerscreen

Here are some suggestions of places to get started:

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.

• 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, as well as other local Young People's Centres.

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

Can't find what you want?
If you're drawing a blank, the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership (01235) 522230 can advise on new art projects and tell you about ones which are already established.

• www.oyap.org.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). If you're interested, get in touch or ask a worker (your Connexions PA, for example) to contact us for you. Contact MAP from 10-4pm on 01295 227186.

• Key Link: MAP