Teens will influence Scottish arts scene

Two teenagers from Stirling will be part of a group whose aim it is to help shape the future of culture and arts in Scotland.

Christopher Marshall and Lewis McDermott, both 18, have been chosen to join the National Youth Arts Advisory Group.

The group, which is made up of 35 volunteers aged from 14 to 23, will work with Creative Scotland on the project for the next two years.

They aim to challenge and provide guidance to the Scottish Government on culture strategy and policies, develop incentives to support young people connect with arts and culture in their area, and engage with young people and stakeholders to influence the next phase of‘Time to Shine’– Scotland’s national youth arts strategy.

The group were named during a meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, in Edinburgh earlier this month.

Christopher said: “Youth arts in Scotland really matters because everyone should be included in the arts, and by using creativity we can help stop the stigma that is constantly hanging over it.”

And Lewis added: “Through artistic expression young people can create and showcase their own identity. Creativity is crucial for young people’s development, and they need to be key influencers in decisions regarding youth issues, arts included.”