Youth Arts

YOUTH ARTS The Youth Wing Flies in 2013 “Young people need encouragement and feedback that supports them to take creative risks” - Jay Williams Corban Estate Arts Centre has developed the Youth Arts programme in association with Phoenix NZYP, a youth performing arts company of over 100 young people from age 15. This partnership has also initiated the Navigator youth arts programme for a group of high needs young people. Both these programmes are led by Jay Williams who is now sponsored by the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference funding programme. Phoenix currently meets weekly at Corban Estate on Monday evenings from 6 – 8.30pm. Their current activities include music, drama, scriptwriting and dance. Within Phoenix there are many varying sub-groups including The Kweenz (gay/bi/transgender youth), Tau Mata Hau (Maori performing arts) and Gold Ink (accomplished performers who showcase Phoenix’s talent). In 2013 Phoenix becomes Corbans ‘Youth Wing’, developing confidence, skills and expression in young people. Additional opportunities for those over 15 will be developed, such as film-making. Performing arts opportunities for a younger group of 10 – 14 year olds will become available, as we develop ‘Junior Phoenix’.

ABOUT YOUTH ARTS MANAGER, JAY WILLIAMS Jay initiated Phoenix NZ Young Performers in 2007 and wrote pieces of theatre in which young people performed. He is an actor and theatre director, who has spent 10 years teaching in secondary schools as a drama specialist. Jay has a natural and intuitive rapport with young people and is passionate about supporting them to succeed. He is keen to get started full time leading youth arts activities at Corbans, made possible by being awarded a World of Difference grant by the Vodafone Foundation. Jay’s leadership encourages young people to take responsibility for their actions, promotes inclusiveness and mutual respect. He says, “As well as developing creative expression, the arts provide a powerful vehicle for young people to grow into confident and strong adults who will make significant contributions in their communities.”