Young Arts Representative (YAR) for The Arts Society Wensleydale

Jenny Haywood is retiring from the Committee in November 2020 after five very successful years as our Young Arts Representative.  We need a new committee member to replace her. Perhaps that could be you, or someone that you know? Here Jenny shares her insights into the role.

 Why consider becoming a YAR?

•    It’s wonderful seeing youngsters’ enthusiasm, appreciation and creativity.

•    You will enrich the lives of young people, creating opportunities which they may not otherwise experience.

•    It is very satisfying to initiate or support creative art projects.

•    It is interesting and sociable - you work with others but make most decisions on your

own.

There is support for the role of Youth Arts Representative at national, regional and local levels.

National support 

The national Arts Society website is very informative on: 

•    how to get started in the role

•    supplying sample letters

•    suggesting activities

•    advising upon grant applications.

 Regional support 

•    Young Arts Representatives Day is held in York annually

o     to exchange ideas and 
o    to provide support and information. 

•    The Young Arts Area Representative is available to help.

Local support

The Wensleydale Arts Society Committee is a super supportive team.

•    It is very efficiently run, lively and often fun to work with.

•    There are only 3 or 4 meetings a year.

Independence

•    You carve out the role for yourself.
 
•    You decide how much time you want to devote to it. 

•    You may wish to expand or reduce the role. 

•    You decide the areas you might want to support/develop. 

•    There is no set format. 

•    You could job-share the role. 

Types of involvement
You could develop the role in a number of ways:

•    Hands-on or facilitating - it’s your choice

•    Run or arrange workshops delivered by external artists
 
•    Submit art from ‘A’ level students to The Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition
 
•    Create colouring booklets for a local museum

•    Arrange to sponsor exhibitions 

Your own perspective

•    I chose the activities listed above; you could choose different ones.

•    You don’t have to have an arts background. 

•    You don’t have to have worked within schools or museums.

•    If you are interested, do contact me. I have been in this role for 5 years and it is now time for someone else to take it on. 

•    I am happy to work alongside you for a while but equally won’t be offended if you just wish to get on with this role in your own way. 

Jenny Haywood Young Arts Representative, The Arts Society Wensleydale (cloudyjenny@me.com)