Gainsborough: Trinity Arts Centre is one of 10 venues across the county helping youth talent to blossom as part of LOV Young People’s Programme

LOV is a network of 10 visual and performing arts venues across the county, including Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough.

The project, known as the LOV Young People’s Programme, has had a significant impact on both the young people and the 10 venues involved.

LOV has put young people aged 12-25 years-old in the driving seat.

Each of the venues has a group of ‘young producers’ that meet regularly and work together to decide on the types of events, exhibitions and shows that they want to programme.

They then organise every aspect, from designing the flyers to booking the acts and generally running the show.

As well as Trinity Arts Centre, venues like Lincoln Performing Arts Centre (LPAC), and Lincoln Drill Hall are involved in the scheme.

Local budding musician Luke has benefited from the fun, supportive and creative environment.

Fifteen year-old musician Luke is just one of the young people who have benefitted from the scheme and is a member of Fretless at Lincoln Drill Hall.

“I joined the group to get more involved with the Lincoln music scene and to learn new skills and push myself,” he said.

“Being a part of the group has raised my confidence a lot and given me countless new skills.”

“The LOV Young People’s Programme should continue because it’s a great way to learn new things and make new friends.”

Due to the success of the young people’s programme, LOV has been awarded further funding by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, and continued support from Arts Council England to carry on with the work it has been developing with young people across Lincolnshire, for another three years.

“We believe LOV is breaking new ground by creating a model of working with young people across arts venues that is unique in the UK,” said Regis Cochefert of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

LOV is now has plans to create a bigger range of opportunities to support emerging young artists and creative entrepreneurs through a new bursary scheme, launched on 1st June.

LOV will be awarding five new bursaries to support young people living, working or studying in Lincolnshire aged 16-25 who have a strong creative idea and want to develop themselves as artists, arts leaders or creative entrepreneurs.

The bursary is part of LOV’s ongoing commitment to both supporting local young people as producers, artists and entrepreneurs within the 10 participating venues and developing new opportunities for them to influence the future cultural landscape of Lincolnshire.

“We are thrilled that the impact of this project has been recognised in this way, and that we are in a position to continue building on the good work that we’ve already achieved,” enthused Craig Morrow, artistic director at LPAC.

“We will be providing even more and better access, and the new innovative bursary scheme ensures that money goes directly to our young, emerging artists.”