Agenda item

Derbyn trosowlwg o wasanath celfyddydau’r cynhorau

The Strategic Arts and Culture Managerprovided the Committee with a report on the positive impact that participating and engaging with the Council’s Arts Service during 2018/19 and 2019 to present, has had on the health and wellbeing of the young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Arts Service consists of the Coliseum Theatre and the Park &

Dare Theatre (collectively known as RCT Theatres) and an Arts &

Creative Industries Team.

Twenty-three young people participated in the 2018/19 Fortitude through Music programme, with young people improving emotional and mental wellbeing, showing positive changes to lifestyle behaviour, and improved resilience.  100% of participants indicated that they were proud of their involvement, whilst 80% said they felt better about life as a result of the project.

Members thanked the Officer for the report and also thanked the young people getting involved and engaging in youth services.

A Member thanked Callum Morgan for attending the meeting and asked him as a young person that had engaged in these programme what benefits he had gained from the scheme?

Callum Morgan told members that he and his friends didn’t have a lot to do previously and they would get bored.  He stated that he had felt benefits from being able to sit in a room where your voice and opinion matters and that he was able to support and help others at the same time.

A Member asked if there was any scope to show extra films on a Saturday in the Park and Dare and Coliseum theatres as they were very well attended but the showings were few and far between.

The Service Director Public Protection advised that they have a kids club that runs on a monthly basis and one would also be commencing at Park and Dare soon and that arts and crafts was currently once a month. She added that die to the success it is for that reason that they are developing at Park and Dare and would take a look and see what’s possible.

A Member referred to the Miskin Project at Glyncornel where Children Looked After were provided with opportunities for them to access the provision which helped with their confidence and self-esteem, he stated that he had seen the affect these groups have on the children and it has a very positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing 

A Member was pleased to hear about the positive development at the theatres and was looking forward to a chance to attend.  He asked if any of the services on offer were provided in Welsh as a large part of the area spoke in the medium of Welsh. 

The Strategic Arts and Culture Manager advised that they welcome children speaking welsh to be part of the project and they have children writing and performing in the medium of Welsh.  She added they also offer workshops through welsh medium and since eisteddfod in Bridgend looking at opp to offer language in Welsh.

Members praised the opportunities that were available for children and stated that it was great for character building and reiterated excellent work that had been undertaken to date on creating the programme of events.

A Member was concerned that the theatre prices were however too expensive for the area and this priced a lot of people out of being able to attend to watch a show. 

The Strategic Arts and Culture Manager stated that there would be a review of the hirer and pricing policy next year.

RESOLVED: Members noted the report