This page is the online home for the working group that has been exploring the establishment of a Youth Arts Network for Northern Ireland. This small group arose out of much research within the sector, subsequent discussions and a number of youth arts sector meetings organised by the Arts Council, but more specifically the sectoral meeting held in early 2008 at Youth Action.  All of this has established a clear interest in developing support for youth arts organisations; this page is the first step.

The working group met twice towards the end of 2008 and again early in 2009 and is creating foundations for establishing a Youth Arts Network that has buy-in and support from the wider sector.   A key part of this process will be getting input to the proposals once they have more shape and definition.  The working group is devising ways to do this – from email consultation to youth arts sector meetings and anything else that may prove useful and appropriate. 

The group currently has seven members, who have offered to give time in bringing this idea to the sector; The Arts Council has an advisory role and Youthnet acts as secretariat as it was felt that it is important that the initiative is led by and for the Voluntary Arts Sector.  Keeping the working group small and focused is important to progress ideas and work, but so is openness to any key stakeholders who want to help at this early stage.  

If you would like to receive email updates on the work or to become more involved in the process, complete the online form.