Citizen Artists at Second Wave

‘The aim is to focus on citizenship that actually means something.’

Second Wave centre for youth arts offers access to achievement for young people as decision-makers and creative leaders.

Their new V programme entitled ‘Citizen Artists’ is an innovative youth-led approach to community engagement. In addition to a wide range of arts-based community activities, volunteers at Second Wave gain opportunities to influence community policy and practice in the area of Deptford SE London.

A particular issue involves the relationship between young people and the police. Second Wave volunteers are working to develop positive face-to-face dialogue with local police officers - through a series of creative workshops & performance events designed to change attitudes and preconceptions on both sides. The aim is to promote a safer and more cohesive inner-city neighbourhood for people of all ages. Their work is being supported by a group of local police officers who attend regular workshops and discussions led by young volunteers at Second Wave.

In the safe, creative environment of a youth arts centre, young people and police are more likely to listen and learn from each other’s experience. In this way principles of fairness and accountability are being established on the basis of mutual trust and respect.

Volunteers gain knowledge and experience of addressing serious issues (e.g. youth-on-youth crime) through working closely with local people to identify creative solutions. All this involves a high level of teamwork, effective communication and the active participation of young people in local democracy.

In July 2007 these different strands of Second Wave’s ‘Citizen Artists’ programme will be brought together in a symposium and drama performance at a community theatre in Deptford. Volunteers will be involved in every aspect of planning, scripting and presenting these events for an audience of local people.

Second Wave December 2006