Worcester Arts Workshop celebrated a successful grant bid with a special event to launch its new Pathways to Employment project

The workshop has been awarded £9,995 from Worcester City Council's Inclusive Growth grant scheme to create training and job opportunities emerging artists, volunteers and young people.

People at the launch were treated to a guided viewing of an LGBTQ History Month exhibition by Worcester-based artist Samantha Jane Eagle - also known as Phoenix Nova - and demonstrations from other local artists, including singer Hannah Law and painter Lizzie Raine.

Hannah Phillips, the workshop's director of transformation, said: “A major part of our aim is to work with vulnerable, marginalised and hard to reach individuals, communities and young people.

"We hope the Pathways to Employment project will open up opportunities to individuals who face prejudice, negativities and barriers to employment.

"These include emerging artists who should be encouraged to see themselves as professionals and receive paid commissions for their hard work and expertise.

"We are very grateful to Worcester City Council for this grant, to enable us to provide professional training, create new local jobs and foster creativity in our organisation.”

City councillor Lucy Hodgson said “The programme is all about bringing the hidden talents of out-of-work residents back into the economy.

"This project meets all the objectives by upskilling and creating jobs for people who are most disadvantaged in the jobs market to support the city’s fast-growing creative and cultural sector.”

The grant follows a recent announcement of £49,750 funding from the Arts Council.