Enfield Community Arts Academy would be the only school of it's kind in the UK! A brand new, inclusive, performing arts school offering non fee paying, full time arts training to young people aged 11 - 18 years. As it stands, most performing arts schools are fee paying and this means that to those families who are unable to afford it, it's not an option. There are some scholarships available for a lucky few but these are rare and we want to change that! Performing arts allow us to be creative, which is vital to the longer term of our economy and society. People who can express themselves creatively, enable the world to move forward. It is through creativity and self expression that young people begin to develop their own identity and the performing arts are a vital tool in supporting this. When young people are encouraged to express themselves freely, they are able to explore their strengths and individuality.

What we'll deliver:

• Free, accessible, inclusive, performing arts education
• A centre of creative excellence
• Modern studios
• Outstanding Teaching
• A theatre space for the local community
• Cross generational dance, drama and performing arts classes
• An outstanding, alternative, arts education option
• A space for local artists to exhibit
• A creative 'Maker Space'

Why it's a great idea:

Creative industries contribute more than £100bn to the UK economy each year but sadly there are not enough affordable training opportunities available to our talented young people. Enfield Community Arts Academy would offer an inclusive arts education opportunity that is out of reach to so many of our young people. The academy would also serve as a creative hub and theatre space for the local community in the evenings and at weekends. Incorporating a 'maker space' for local artists and creatives as well as offering studio space and a theatre space for cross generational drama, dance and fitness classes in the evenings. A performing arts education has so many benefits and should not be underestimated. Some of these include: Helping to build confidence and self esteem; improved focus; language and communication skills; co-operation and friendship; empathy and emotional intelligence; improved problem solving skills; physical and mental health benefits and improved academic skills.

Steps to get it done:

• Securing premises
• Renovation
• Policies and Procedures
• Curriculum Planning
• Evening and weekend lettings
• Employment
• Purchasing furniture and equipment
• Employing staff
• Enrolling students

We believe that the arts are for all and Enfield Community Arts Academy will be an inclusive centre that will seek to actively promote inclusion and accessibility in the arts for everyone. Providing local education, training, employment opportunities and mental and physical health benefits for the local community, it will serve as a centre of arts education excellence and will be available to local residents, artists and creatives. Youth crime in the borough is at an all time high and according to figures from the Metropolitan Police last year saw an 8.8 per cent increase in crime rates on the previous year. The borough has seen a worrying increase in knife crime and shooting offences amongst our young people. Enfield Community Arts Academy seeks to give young people in our borough a focus whilst raising their aspirations and encouraging them to choose the right path. Our young people need access to activities that keep them motivated and engaged.