Wiltshire Creative's SHIFT project: What it is and how to get involved

Wiltshire Creative’s SHIFT aims to create a platform to “amplify young voices through the arts".

It is being led by young associate artists Harrison Brodie and Kate Potter with support from Wiltshire Creative Young Ambassadors and hundreds of young people.

SHIFT Hub

Salisbury Arts Centre is home to the SHIFT Hub which is showcasing the work and ideas of young people involved in the project.

One of the projects, Off Your Chest, encouraged students to write their thoughts and messages on postcards. Some are on display at the SHIFT hub.

Off Your Chest instllation at the SHIFT Hub in Salisbury Arts Centre

Harrison said it is “incredibly powerful” to be able to give young people a voice, adding: “The arts can be such a powerful tool and it does have a role in change and in the other parts of society, politics, it affects the world around us.

"The responses we’ve got from young people were so honest and genuine. We feel there is a certain amount of responsibility there to capture that and give it the best platform we can.”

The SHIFT Hub at Salisbury Arts Centre

SHIFT has also brought together youth arts organisations across the region to set up a youth network as well as creating job and work experience opportunities for young people in the arts.

Alternate Perceptions

Alternate Perceptions is an exhibition of work by artist Mahlia Amatina at Salisbury Arts Centre.

It invites the audience into a multi-sensory experience of colour, line, shape and form through tactile art that explores the creative side of neurodiversity.

After being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in 2015, Mahlia was inspired to share the unique sensory experiences of life on the autistic spectrum through her art.

Alternate Perceptions, an exhibition of work by Mahlia Amatina at Salisbury Arts Centre

Alternate Perceptions is showcasing a collection of Mahlia’s recent works, as well as an art installation created as part of the SHIFT programme in collaboration with Wiltshire Creative’s group of young artists Around the World in 80 Washing Lines.

The Washing Lines installation at the SHIFT Hub in Salisbury Arts Centre

The exhibition is free to view and runs until Saturday, July 3.

Celebrating reopening of Playhouse

SHIFT will be a central focus of Salisbury Playhouse's reopening. The Youth Arts Network Film premieres at the Playhouse on Saturday (June 12), 3pm, followed by the Late SHIFT Social - an evening of food, drink and entertainment including live music and performances - at the arts centre.

There is also the Further Education (FE) Performing and Production Arts Showcase 2021 on June 8 at the Playhouse and The National Theatre Connections Festival on June 9 and 11.

Creating a 'foundation' for the future

Harrison says SHIFT will create a "foundation" for the future and be a "positive tool" to help with the recovery.

He added: “SHIFT isn’t about just the one event or one programme of work. It’s about a shift in the way that the organisation communicates and works with young people.”

Salisbury Arts Centre

Get involved

"The key message is we are here. If you have an interest in the arts or you have never tried it before but want to try something different and like the idea of it get in contact with us and come and see the hub," said Harrison.

Visit: wiltshirecreative.co.uk or follow @youngwiltscreative on Instagram

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