As per usual summer has come and brought with it not only some unexpected good weather (for a change) but also the expected craziness of super busy days caused by multiple projects all kicking off at once.

From publishing new books with Dixon's Trinity to running a mixed media course at the Leeds College of Art Summer School it really is all go, go, go!!! And that's without even mentioning Strong Voices continuing with fantastic partner trips to The Discovery Centre and Leeds City Museum, runn...
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Summer is fast approaching and for me that means the REALISE programme will be up and running again and I just can't wait!

This year's programme is running from July 9th - August 29th three afternoons a week from 12-4pm. It is aimed at 16-19 year olds who are not in education, employment or training over summer and are interested in exploring their potential through the Creative Arts.

If you join the programme you get a weekly West Yorkshire bus pass, lunch included, two trips into Leeds city c...
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...And what a busy season it has been with REALISE running again at Archway, books being published and launched and a short stint tutoring children in Rome on an English immersion summer camp.

Another eight young people have successfully completed the REALISE programme, leaving with ArtsAwards, blogs, Creative Arts portfolios and a new bunch of mates to boot. Brilliant! The programme was marked by really high personal and social standards with the community lunchtimes becoming really important...
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Its that time of year again folks, the REALISE project is hitting town! 

REALISE is a fantastic project for 16-19 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). We meet for three afternoons a week, share lunch together and take part in creative, independent, pair and group activities that aim to boost young people's self-confidence and enable them to take a next step, whatever that might be.

If you can't remember what it is all about then keep an eye on our blog which will b...
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At the end of April another REALISE programme came to an end and I am pleased to announce that once again all participants who completed the course have created an art portfolio that will be put forward for Bronze ArtsAward moderation. So, a big well done to all the REALISE 2013 participants!!!

Watch this space for news of the next REALISE programme!
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... Just where has the time gone!?

Well for my good self, I've spent January recharging my batteries ready for the year ahead and what better place to do this in than the sunny beaches of Goa. The relaxed tempo and chilled out way of life among the Goans really rubbed off on me and I felt myself truly unwind. Even more importantly I was TOTALLY inspired by the many sights of beauty, the endless sunshine and the smiles of the locals despite the ugliness of life for many natives. I spent the who...
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A new REALISE programme is under way and on the back of the last one we are hoping for another roaring success. The moderator's comments on the previous groups ArtsAward portfolios were great and here is a snippet: 

 "What a pleasure to look through folders so bursting with ideas, colour, personalized input and a whole range of evidence gathering methods."

How lovely to hear such positive comments about our previous group and their work. Well done guys and gals! Now we are hoping to replicate t...
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The Spring REALISE 2012 programme is here and has gone live at Archway! We are now three weeks in and the group is bonding well, producing fab work and aiming high! 

 Keep checking back for more posts and images or to follow the groups progress week by week follow our blog on:  realisecreativearts.blogspot.com 

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So a New Year and a new start for projects and workshops with Sarah Jane Mason! What has this year got in store so far then? 

Coming up quick is Dance Plus an exciting multi-disciplinary project co-ordinated by Space 2 and based at Allerton Primary School. Expect to see stage sets, props and podiums in this Olympic themed extravaganza! 

Hot on it's heels is the REALISE programme, especially designed for 16-19 year olds who are NEET (not in education, employment or training.) This Creative Arts ...
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Since September I have been working hard on the REALISE programme with Re'New at Archway. 

REALISE is a creative arts programme aimed at 16-19 year olds who are NEET. The aim of the programme is help these young people take steps towards some form of personal and/or professional progress by developing transferable soft skills through creative projects.

The REALISE programme has it's own blog as well as a page on my website. SO to find out more, click on the community and youth projects tab and ...
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