ABOUT US

Waterford Youth Arts is a youth and community arts resource which enables young people to participate in creative activity as a means of self-expression and development in a safe, professional and enjoyable environment. WYA is recognised nationally as one of the country's leading youth arts organisations, and each week over 400 young people take part in its activities.

Established in August 1985 as Waterford Youth Drama (WYD), WYA has grown from the voluntary efforts of two individuals and 25 young people to a fully-structured youth arts organisation with a paid staff. Waterford Youth Arts provides a comprehensive quality response to the creative aspirations and developmental needs of young people in the Southeast.

To the general public, the most visible aspect of WYA is its drama, dance and film productions. But WYA is primarily an educational organisation, and its main activity is operating its Workshops. WYA runs drama, dance, film, creative writing and visual arts Workshops throughout the year for young people. These Workshops take place every week and are run by professional tutors.

WYA provides an outlet for artistic expression among young people. Youth arts activity is a proven method of personal development and education. Through youth arts, WYA aims to:
>>enable young people to articulate their needs clearly in a safe group
>> enable young people to develop interpersonal skills, such as confidence, social interaction, responsibility sharing, planning, decision making, and problem sharing
>> introduce young people to new and innovative elements of the arts
>> provide training and education in creative skills

WYA is always interested in finding new potential adult leaders. We offer in-service training and huge challenges. Are you interested? If so, ring WYA at 051-879377. (WYA operates a screening process to ensure safety within the organisation.)

WYA is clearly committed to communities, in particular communities experiencing disadvantage. At the very core of the work of WYA is the Outreach Drama Workshop Programme. Outreaching into four communities in Waterford, weekly workshops in drama are led by experienced drama tutors. The workshop programme is very strong, with groups over-subscribed in some areas.

WYA is grant aided by The Arts Council - An Chomhairle Eireann, FAS, Waterford City Council, City of Waterford VEC Waterford Youth Committee, The Ireland Funds.

WYA also has a Corporate Friend and Patron Scheme to encourage Companies and individual business people to support the work of creative young people.

If you'd like to advertise in the programme of the next WYA production, or help WYA in some other way, ring Cathy Hanrahan (Administrator).