Young people invited to have their say at My Say!! Youth Art Conference

A free event for all young people and youth groups.

This November on the 2nd - 4th November The Playhouse International Culture Arts Network (ICAN) are inviting youth clubs, community, church and school groups to creatively have their say in a innovative youth art conference. The young people will work with International and National artists to artistically respond to Northern Ireland's segregated communities, education and legislation system.

During the My Say!! three-day event at the Playhouse Derry - Londonderry, young people aged 14 - 21 years of age will express their views and visions using a variety of media including theatre, poetry & rap, graffiti and street art. Leading national and international artists will assist the participants to articulate their views artistically. On the final morning the young participants will creatively share their experiences, concerns and solutions with key policy makers and cultural providers.

"Attending community youth leaders will be offered professional development opportunities" Elaine Forde ICAN coordinator said.

"These sessions will enable the community workers to examine the challenges they face and to use the arts as a vehicle to highlight these issues. The community worker will have the opportunity to learn new can be employed back into their community. We are also inviting artists that work with the youth club / group to attend and to gain first hand experience by assisting the event artists."

This conference is open to all youth / community / educational groups who meet the criteria which includes groups of four young people, accompanied by one adult. Additionally the group may bring a local artist who they work with.

Places are limited and are open to all groups from Northern Ireland and the borders counties. The event is free, including accommodation to parties living more than one-hour away from Derry- Londonderry.

To book a group into the event it is essential to complete a short application form by contacting Elaine Forde ICAN Coordinator, Playhouse on T. 02871 268027 or email elaine@derryplayhouse.co.uk. Alternatively information and a short application form can be downloaded from www.icanplayhouse.com/conferences and should be returned to Elaine Forde by Wednesday 26th October.

ICAN is a three year project which has been part-financed by the European Union's Regional Development fund through EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) managed through Special EU Programmes Body