A Helping Hand From The Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund

CharityLocal News

Community projects and individuals in Leeds have received more than £10,000 from the Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund, which was set up in April 2014 to honour the memory of local school teacher Ann Maguire.  

Diocese of Leeds, East Street Arts, Heads Together and St Mary’s Youth Theatre are just a few of the projects that will join first grantee, Yorkshire Dance in receiving grants to expose young people to the arts and further develop their creative aspirations.

Other successful applicants include SNAPS (Leeds Special Needs and Parent Support Group) which will use their grant to continue a Saturday dance class that is specially designed for children with special needs and Youth Theatres Leeds which will stage a summer production at the Howard Assembly Rooms, in order to boost the confidence of young people by performing in front of an audience.

Bursaries were also given to talented individuals under 18 years old, who without financial support would struggle to pursue their passions. This much needed funding will allow local young people to: travel to dance studios in London and receive tuition from leading West End performers; continue much loved local ballet and break dancing classes and attend summer school to help an aspiring flamenco guitar player on their journey to becoming a professional musician.

Kerry Maguire said “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people not only in Leeds but across the UK who have supported the Fund. Our mother was passionate about inspiring young people to reach their goals, so we are delighted that the first round of grants has now been distributed. We hope that the grants will not only allow individuals to follow their dreams but create new and exciting opportunities for a range of young people to get involved with the arts.”

The Fund is managed by well-established grant making charity, Leeds Community Foundation, which coordinated the distribution of grants to successful applicants across the city.

The Foundation’s Chief Executive Sally-Anne Greenfield said “Giving young people access to creative activities encourages confidence and expression.  We are glad we have been able to support the Maguire family in distributing these grants and look forward to seeing the impact that the Fund will have.”

The Fund will re-open for applications later in the year and due to the wealth of national support, may look to support individuals and community groups in other areas of England.

Future grants rounds and application forms will be available from www.leedscf.org.uk.

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