LOCAL social enterprise, Significant Seams, will deliver one of  45 Holiday Activity programmes funded by Devon County Council this summer.

The council’s scheme, worth about £950,000, is making FREE and heavily subsidised opportunities for young people to access fun, learning opportunities, as well as holiday meal support.

Significant Seams is offering a 16-day arts-based programme for up to 24 11-16 year-olds per week, from the Boniface Centre in Crediton.

Catherine West, Significant Seams’ Director, said: “The programme explores making, ecology, and connections between individuals, community and their wellbeing and environment via fun, project-based activities with outstanding regional, national, and international artists.”  

At least seven Devon artists of international note will contribute content during four weeks in August.

Three experienced youth workers will be a continuous presence for those taking part. Each week has a particular focus.

Week one focuses on Textiles and Nature and will be led by Significant Seams artists and colleagues from another Social Enterprise, Art and Energy CIC. Week two will focus on visual arts with artists from Arts Lab CIC.

Week three will focus on sculpture with workshops led by "Paper Man" James Lake.

Week four will explore "Craftivism".

Significant Seams is featured in a book on this topic, "Craftivism: The Art and Craft of Activism" by Betsy Greer.

Booking opened on July 12 for month long bookings and opens on Monday, July 19 for weekly places, subject to availability. 

Those taking part will have the opportunity to pursue a nationally recognised certification, Arts Award at Bronze level, and activity can count towards "Skill" learning for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Supporting materials and guidance will be provided. A hot meal will be served every day, along with programme integrated nutrition and budgeting advice. The scheme is Free for young people in receipt of Free School Meals, with a special educational need or disability, or otherwise classed vulnerable, and one friend each.

Also, any young people doing GSCE Art in Devon, not based in Crediton, can apply for a travel bursary to enable participation.

Questions can be submitted by emails or text message which are checked regularly. Responses are not however immediate as the team is part-time. Email: [email protected] or text 075 2063 3939.