Over 7,000 people have taken part in a £1.3m government-funded pilot project to see if arts activities can positively affect young people – and discourage anti-social behaviour. The Flux project, based in the new housing estates of North Swindon and now drawing to a close after three years, has been working with local schools and the community to share opportunities in filmmaking, animation, web design, salsa drumming, puppet making, cartoon clubs, community festivals and much more.

Artsmad, which is part of Swindon Borough Council, has been delivering the Flux project and Artsmad Director Kirsty Carter says it has succeeded in its aims, although the long term effects will be seen in the years to come. “All the indications are that the arts programme has especially motivated students who might otherwise have become disengaged with school. I can think of students who did not have a good record of learning before this who have been really spurred on, getting enthusiastic, taking responsibility and learning skills. One 12-year-old has used his opportunities with Flux to train to be a theatre technician and is working towards his Arts Award. He has been motivated for the first time.

“We’ve brought in a huge range of specialist artists which has meant young people have had expert leadership from professional directors, photographers, editors, journalists, animators, filmmakers, choreographers and many more professional artists.”

Overall, almost 130 artists have led more than 2,800 hours of activities; while a huge state-of-the-art mobile digital media studio, the FluxMobile, has seen over 1,000 youngsters take part in some form of digital media. And community projects like the Lantern Parade have attracted hundreds of people of all ages.

“Living our dream”

Flux is based in the new Isambard Community School where professional artists have led both curriculum-based classes and after-school clubs, such as web design. Flux introduced Arts Blast – a period of weeks when normal lessons were shelved and all curriculum subjects were based around arts activities. During this time artists and teachers delivered classes such as making a horror film, and making a volcano (and seeing it erupt). One student said, “With Arts Blast everything is so different, it’s exciting!” Another added, “It’s really exciting because in French we’re learning how to make puppets! It’s more fun than normal lessons. I jump out of bed because of Arts Blast.”

The next Arts Blast is 13-23 July 2009.

Immersion in the arts

Head Teacher Rachael Mattey comments, “Real artists don’t paint for an hour, then pack away and dance for an hour, then pack away and sing for an hour. Neither do our students. They immerse themselves in the art form for at least a day at a time – giving them the opportunity to live the true creative experience. Does it work? You bet it does! These young people are willing to try anything! Children come to school eager to learn and do well in all subjects, not just the arts. Thanks to the arts activities they’re happy to take risks in their learning and are active participants.”

One student commented: “Flux has given us the benefit of letting us live our dreams, by letting us do filming and being in the horror movies and things like that.”

Students interview Prime Minister

Year 7 and 8 pupils have been documenting the Flux project and have worked behind the scenes at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, and have interviewed Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

In the Community

As North Swindon has grown, Flux has created new traditions for a new community. Kirsty says, “We wanted to put soul and life amid the concrete and bulldozers. As the young get involved in creative things this will stop them getting involved in anti social or destructive behaviour.”

Along with North Swindon’s first ever Lantern Parade, Flux also held an Under the Sea Festival, and started both events with all-age arts workshops in the local library where passersby could decorate the lanterns and sea creatures. At the Under the Sea Festival grandfather Les Jerram said, “It’s brilliant to bring the community together.”

Builds self esteem

The state-of-the-art mobile digital media studio the FluxMobile, staffed by professional digital artists, has provided workshops in music recording and film making and seen over 1,000 youngsters take part in some form of digital media. Everywhere the vibrant red airstream bus goes, it has an impact. Shahina Johnson, responsible for delivery on the bus, explains, “When young people see the FluxMobile they’re amazed. It makes them feel really positive about themselves, it builds their self esteem because they feel they are worth the time and effort. And that’s just turning up! When we work with them using the digital technology and they see the results of their own work there’s an incredible boost of self confidence.”

Other highlights include 56 students having gained Arts Awards (a nationally recognised qualification, similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award), and an anti bullying film made by primary school students with professional filmmakers, to raise awareness of possible bullying through texting and the internet. It is now being shown in schools throughout the borough.

For more information see www.fluxswindon.org.uk