FEATURE: MUSIC & THE PERFORMING ARTS


and do it better next time. There’s always more we learn and can do.


For Zest, this is more than simply fostering tolerance. It’s about building equity through social change. It’s about engaging local leaders and stakeholders in the work, enabling children and young people to be heard by speaking truth to those with the power to do something about it. It’s about creating platforms for children and young people to become agents of positive change in their communities by simply being themselves and having fun.


Photo by Scott Murray


of young voices. We listened to the worries that Year 5s had about shortly transitioning to secondary school and then made space for Further Education students aged 16+ to share their wisdom and lived experience in response. A vast archive of quotes was generated, from which we’ve created a brand-new production, including five new songs. Camp Phoenix will return to the local theatre in the heart of those five communities in Spring 2024. The show will share the voices of the young people we met, with characters directly inspired by the young people in our workshops. Those Year 5s are now in Year 6 and will receive a show that responds to all the questions and needs they have. Those students aged 16+ will perform in the show alongside our professional cast to share their advice and wisdom on the world and how to survive secondary school.


Magic of storytelling


This isn’t just about mirroring their identities and experiences; it’s also about exposing them and the adults in their community to the broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences of young people in their local area. This is where the magic of storytelling and the arts come into play. Through diverse voices, stories and characters, we can broaden the horizons of our audience, allowing them to step into the shoes of others and empathise with people who are different from them. This empathy is a powerful tool for building community and creating a more inclusive society. It enables people, both young and old, to find the common ground to create unity. Embracing the individual and connecting them to the collective because we are just stronger when we’re together.


In our interconnected yet divisive world, we must expose children and young people to a broader, more nuanced perspective to challenge and break stereotypes that can easily lead to bias, discrimination, and ignorance in communities. By presenting diverse youth narratives, the arts can counter these negative stereotypes, offering more accurate and nuanced portrayals of individuals and communities that challenge audiences to adapt to different viewpoints and understand the world’s complexity.


But being inclusive has to be more than just amplifying diverse voices; it extends to the artists


November 2023 Photo by Phil Crow www.education-today.co.uk 37


and creators who support us to make this work behind the scenes. Involving artists and creatives from various backgrounds in the production and presentation of youth arts projects ensures a richness of cultural, artistic, and intellectual perspectives. Inclusiveness means providing opportunities for underrepresented voices, nurturing talent, and breaking down barriers that might deter aspiring young artists from marginalised communities.


Recognising systemic barriers For arts leaders, particularly those like me with any level of privilege, it means recognising the systemic barriers in our sector, organisations, and practice and then doing the hard and uncomfortable work of listening, learning, and changing to increase inclusion and build equity. Being inclusive should be demonstrated in our practice, policies, procedures, and budgets. Zest strives to get this right, but sometimes doesn’t, and when we don’t, we need to acknowledge it


This work helps young minds transcend geographic and cultural boundaries, presenting a broader perspective that encourages young people to appreciate the beauty and breadth of diversity and understand the challenges faced by people in different parts of the world. It inspires curiosity and a desire to explore beyond one’s comfort zone, developing open-minded, compassionate individuals who value the differences that make humans unique.


Enriching young lives


Diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords; they’re a fundamental part of our mission to enrich the lives of young people through the arts. Releasing the voice of a generation is not only a moral imperative at this time of crisis; it also nurtures a spirit of creativity and experimentation among the next generation. When they see that there is no one “right” way to create art, they are inspired to explore their unique expressions and ideas. The arts become a space where young minds can flourish and innovate, unburdened by rigid conventions.


Whether it be our classrooms, school halls, arts venues, or the local park, let’s create more space for young minds to really thrive – releasing their voices, cultivating empowerment, and igniting pride - pride in self, pride in community, and pride in what can be achieved together.


For more information on Zest Theatre, please see uwww.zesttheatre.co.uk


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