Background
We offer funding for participants to run creative projects outwith Fringe time, engaging with local Edinburgh children and young people from community groups and additional support needs (ASN) schools.
We have specifically chosen to work with ASN schools on this project as a direct result of feedback from ASN teachers who find the Fringe challenging to navigate with a group of their students and are looking for ways to remove some of the barriers. With this in mind, we arrange for Fringe work to be taken to them so that they can experience performances and workshops in their own environments. This is a great opportunity for artists to engage with wider demographics, develop their practice and engage meaningfully with local communities in Edinburgh. Artists are supported by a mentor, encouraging artist development and networking.
'The learners engaged well with the activities from the very start, and the whole theme soon captured everyone’s imaginations. I feel that the real strength of the session lay in the involvement of the participants at every stage; their creative ideas were taken seriously and skilfully guided into creating a performance at the end of the class. The young people (and staff!) learned some simple but effective techniques for mime. The whole experience was entertaining, thought-provoking and unforgettable.'
(Martin O’Gorman, Drama and English teacher at Woodlands College, Edinburgh)
'The artist was creative, well-prepared and adaptive during each performance, which created an inclusive and enjoyable performance experience for all. The visual set of the magic show was brilliant and it set the scene for a wonderful performance. The staff team who also enjoyed the performances highlighted how engaged the young people were.'
Teacher, Woodlands School
About the project
To enable more people to engage with the festival and encourage the next generation of Fringe performers and audiences, we are offering the opportunity for a Fringe artist to run a creative project with local children and young people from an Edinburgh ASN school. This is a great opportunity to engage with wider demographics, develop your practice and engage meaningfully with a local community in Edinburgh.
About the school
This year we are working with Oaklands School, situated in the north-west of Edinburgh.
‘Oaklands School provides a significantly adapted and supportive learning environment for learners with profound and multiple learning disabilities and often associated health care needs, aged 3 to 18 years old. Our students have a range of complex disabilities. Many, but not all, of our students use wheelchairs and the majority are non-verbal.
‘At Oaklands we benefit from on-site multi-disciplinary therapy and medical teams in addition to our education staff. This helps our learners achieve their full potential.’
