Six life-changing community arts projects launched

We are delighted to be launching six new community arts projects, together known as Creating Routes: Changing Lives. With 'Catalyst Arts' funding, every donation we receive towards these projects will be matched by the Arts Council.

With support from the community, these projects can become reality, and they will change lives.

The projects were launched at an event last week, where we screened a new film about the theatre's work and the new projects we will be undertaking. To watch the Creating Routes: Changing Lives film go here: http://vimeo.com/channels/creatingroutes

The projects are:

EMERGING ROUTES: Young people aged 11-16, who have limited access to arts provision, will be offered the opportunity to take part in drama workshops and perform on the Palace stage. Our fundraising target is £30,000 a year; this will fund at least 3,000 individual participation opportunities.

ACTIVE ROUTES: Watford's 230,000 older people will be offered the chance to socialise and stay active through dance activities. Our fundraising target is £20,000 a year; this will fund 2,000 individual workshop opportunities.

CAREER ROUTES: A brand new apprenticeship scheme will offer local young people the chance to increase their career potential. £15,000 will fund an apprenticeship for a person aged 16-18; £20,000 for a person aged 18+.

ACCESS ROUTES: Deaf and disabled people, who are far less likely to take part in cultural activities, will be able to draw on this fund to meet needs that might otherwise prevent them from accessing all that the theatre has to offer. Our fundraising target is £20,000 a year.

DIVERSE ROUTES: Watford is the most diverse district in Hertfordshire, this project will extend the reach of our Cultural Celebrations, including events for Diwali, Eid, Vaisakhi and Black History Month. Our fundraising target of £20,000 a year will go towards enabling local people to work with our staff to create highly interactive events for key occasions and celebrations.

COMMUNITY ROUTES: Community members will be given the chance to work with world-class artists and practitioners to produce exciting, professional-quality theatre on the palace stage and in the community. Our fundraising target is £80,000 for each production.

For more information visit http://www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/page/creatingroutes/