The Point Eastleigh will use a generous donation from a former local charity to create a new arts bursary in the Borough.
The donation of almost £10,000 is the final act of the Arts & Youth Trust for Eastleigh, which is now closed. The money will support The Point’s Creative Learning and Participation programme to deliver a scheme for local young people.
This award will allow The Point to fully subsidise 10 places with youth companies for three years. The Point will work with the young people to realise their own personal goals and support them to ensure they are able to achieve their potential.
The Arts & Youth Trust for Eastleigh was conceived in 1993 by then Borough Mayor Martin Kyrle. It became a registered charity with the purpose of providing grants to young people for tuition and expenses in any branch of the arts or youth organisations. Mr Kyrle, who remained the charity’s secretary for the entirety of its existence, retired as a Borough Councillor in 2003.
Martin Kyrle said: “Our Trust was first set up to benefit young people in the Borough after a scout and a guide came to me asking for assistance to attend the jamboree in St Petersburg. Over 25 years we helped more than one hundred of Eastleigh's young singers, dancers and performers, in addition to youth organisations such as Brownies and the Boys' Brigade.
“The four trustees are proud to have passed the baton of work on to The Point to redevelop the purpose and take it into a new era with a new generation of young people.”
Charlotte Hall, Creative Director at The Point, said: “We are so grateful for this generous donation which will enable young people to progress their skills as artists and creatives, and access high quality arts activities that develop and expand their technical, social and creative skills.”
