Making Art

Art is often seen as something you do on your own, at home.

Spending time developing your talents alone is very valuable. You get to build your skills and practice in peace.

But most artists also join groups, classes or clubs which are based around making 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.

Key Link: Activities Oxfordshire

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 the Oxford Literary Festival and Summerscreen

Here are some suggestions of places to get started:

Film, video
You can make short films at many youth arts projects 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

Theatre, Dance
The Oxford Youth Theatre (01865) 792209 gets young people involved in all aspects of live theatre. The Mill in Banbury has lots of workshops for young people. There are lots of local dance groups for young people

• www.pegasustheatre.org.uk
• www.themillartscentre.co.uk

All kinds of arts
Not sure if arts are for you? The Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership (01869) 602560 specialises in arts for all young people, including those who might not consider themselves arty. They always have something interesting going on.

• www.oyap.org.uk

Experience: dance, music, art, doing new things

We asked young people what they enjoyed most about young people's centres. Here's what they said; meeting people, songs, games, DJ Room, pool table, staff, music facilities, competitions, dance, the workers, respect, fun, art facilities, information, wii, ping pong, friends, spray painting, activities, trips, computers, tuck shop, art, doing new things.

Links

These websites will help you find out more about arts in Oxfordshire:

• Activities Oxfordshire
  Positive Activities for young people in Oxfordshire
• OYAP
  Oxford Youth Arts Partnership
• Oxford Inspires
  Oxfordshire culture and arts website

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