THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS! plus: SOUTHWARK SET TO COMPLETE TATE MODERN INVESTMENT
This Autumn, Southwark council are teaming up with The Old Vic theatre to give new opportunities to young people in the borough for them to gain an insight into the world of arts and culture.
The project called Stage Business will give local young people a unique opportunity to explore the practical side of theatre, focusing on improving their communication, confidence and leadership abilities, at one of the most iconic theatres in London.
London is a global city rich in culture, the arts and entertainment, and in Southwark, the cultural sector employs 7 per cent of local people and is also the registered trade of 10 per cent of the borough’s businesses.
The project is unlike anything delivered in The Old Vic’s 200-year history, and will focus on readying participants for a successful professional life and improving their employability in the competitive London job market.
Southwark’s cabinet member for children and schools Cllr Victoria Mills said, “We know it can be hard deciding which career path to take when leaving education and there is no replacement for experiencing an industry for yourself.
“This partnership between the council and The Old Vic acknowledges just how big a part culture plays in London, and how important it is to equip young people for the future.
“Stage Business will give young people aged 16 to 18 years old an exciting and unique opportunity to build their confidence and resilience, as well as giving a fantastic boost to their future employment prospects.”
Stage Business is a two year project that will offer young people opportunities to explore and develop transferable skills such as communications, confidence and leadership to help them in the competitive London job market.
Young people taking part will also learn practical skills direct from industry professionals and act as project ambassadors by sharing that learning with their school, friends and local community.
Participating schools will also be able to access interactive educational packs, gain national profile through involvement in the programme, and be able to connect to other schools across the UK through the “Old Vic partner schools network”.
The project will initially focus on 16 to 18 year olds, but as it progresses opportunities will be offered to younger ages between 11 and 16 years. (Source: Southwark council press release)
SOUTHWARK SET TO COMPLETE TATE MODERN INVESTMENT
Southwark council are set to pledge the final £1 million needed to secure the extension of the Tate Modern as part of its wider regeneration of the borough.
The council, which also invested the very first £1 million in the original project over 20 years ago, will complete its commitment to give the final £1 million towards the building project once the full funding has been secured by the gallery.
Southwark’s cabinet member for regeneration and new homes Cllr Mark Williams said: “Tate Modern has played a vital role in the regeneration of Southwark over the last 20 years, bringing millions of visitors to the borough and generating 1,500 new jobs and £100m for the local economy in its first year alone.
“As a direct result of the extension, the new Tate Modern will continue to drive investment and tourism to our borough and be a focal point for a second wave of economic growth already underway.
“In addition the new Tate Modern will provide new education facilities and experiences for over 650,000 people every year, and we will be at the forefront of ensuring our residents feel the benefit of this.”
The Tate Modern, which opened in 2000 and attracts around 5 million visitors a year, plans to extend south with the derelict oil tanks of the former power station becoming the foundation of the large extension project.
A final decision on the investment is set to be made by the council’s cabinet at their meeting on September 15. The full report is available on the council’s website at www.southwark.gov.uk (Source: Southwark council press release)
