In the words of Ansel Adams, “No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.” It is to this end that the Department of Youth and Culture announces the successful completion of our 6th Annual Youth E.S.C.A.P.E Summer Programme.
Designed to foster a deep appreciation and interest in various artistic forms, Youth E.S.C.A.P.E seeks to ensure that the public has increased access to the arts and culture. The programme is intended to encourage young people to find new ways of positively expressing themselves through art forms and developing their creative abilities for the achievement of future livelihoods.
The summer vacation provides an ideal time for engaging young people of school age in training and immersion experiences in the arts, particularly in disciplines and utilizing methodologies that are not provided within the schools’ curriculum. Involvement by children and young people in the arts can be used as a tool for: the transfer of positive values, development of creative abilities for the achievement of future livelihoods, creation of positive avenues for personal and group expression and the positive engagement of children and young people during leisure.
The Programme is a collaborative effort between arts organizations, corporate sponsors, participants, parents and the Department of Youth and Culture. This year the department offered the highest number of camps in the history of the Programme. There were eight workshops offered in the areas of Culinary Arts, Dance, Calypso, Painting, Maritime Heritage, National Symbols, Digital Media Production and Basic Electrical Wiring.
Youth E.S.C.A.P.E was able to enhance the summer vacation of 100 students from various districts across the island. The combination of a low registration fee, complimentary lunch and exciting activities made the camp a favourite for many.
The Department of Youth and Culture wishes to thank From within Dance, Andrew Richardson, Karimah Carty, The Anguilla National Trust, Derek Gumbs, Ravi Lloyd and Juan Romaro for the excellent facilitation of our workshops.
It is our hope that this programme will continue to grow yearly and maintain its track record of producing students who can successfully use the arts as a livelihood and a medium for further social and professional development.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
