Cash seized from criminals has helped create art opportunities in Moray for nearly 200 isolated youngsters.
Findhorn Bay Arts’ In the Mix project, which received £119,000 from the Cashback for Creativity scheme, has run sessions for youths who are out of work, at risk of offending or who live in areas of deprivation.
Hidden passions for drumming, graffiti art, dancing, circus skills and filming were unlocked through one-to-one and group workshops.
Anne Grant, assistant service manager at Aberlour Youth Point, has seen huge benefits for those who took part in the scheme.
She said: “The activities that In the Mix provide are affording young people the chance to explore their creative minds and develop a hobby or interest in something that they felt wasn’t available to them.
“This in turn helps their well-being as they are engaging in something they enjoy, brings more positive thoughts, makes them smile and offers a time where they can forget about their worries and immerse themselves in fun activities with their peers.”
Yesterday, Findhorn Bay Arts revealed that 196 youngsters aged between 10 and 25 had taken park in the three-year project since it launched in 2017.
The group has worked with Aberlour Youth Point, Quarriers, Moray Council and other charities to identify those who would benefit most from the sessions.
More than 25 of the young artists who have taken part have had their work displayed as part of the Culture Day in Forres and in the Journeys in the North exhibition in Elgin and Inverness.
The Cashback for Creativity fund redistributes proceeds of crime to benefit initiatives all over Scotland.
Steve Gasgarth, In the Mix’s project coordinator, said: “Delivering creative learning activities through the project is such a vital aspect of inclusion and development for many young people living here in Moray.
“Through working closely with partners, the project is without a doubt having a huge positive impact on the young people as they are achieving new goals and looking towards future opportunities they may not otherwise have had.”