Culture Fund: Soulisquoy Printmakers

The funding was to support Soulisquoy Young Associates (SYAs) to develop and deliver a project of their own devising that would appeal to children and young people 12-18 year olds. Their project involved heat press printing and applique to produce a set of individual banners and one large collaborative piece.

In total they committed to eight sessions – 2 x preparation and completion, 6 x practical sessions with young people and 1x Family Open Day.

The three SYAs are a highly energetic and imaginative group of young people who are becoming skilled in realising their ambitions to utilise the Soulisqouy studio for not only their own creative development but to encourage others to benefit from creative activity.

As an organisation, we were able to provide technical support and mentorship from our membership that also provided the necessary safeguarding, that enables everyone to create in a safe and supported environment.

Through the project, the Young Associates have been able to develop their confidence and skills in planning and delivering practical sessions in printmaking to their peers.They have increased their technical and communication skills in parallel with their creative and artistic ideas.

The group have now been able to consolidate their position within Soulisquoy and have plans for further projects.

For the organisation, long-term we are building a new generation of printmakers, with skills and ability to pass these on to others. Ensuring the future of our participatory programmes. Supporting the SYAs brings fresh ideas and new audiences. We have made further successful applications on their behalf, enabling them to build on the momentum of this project.