By Jane Gray
There are so many reasons I’d encourage any Bronze/ Silver Arts Award Adviser to do the Gold training; and so many reasons why it’s invaluable for young people.
I’ll confess now, that although I’ve trained many Gold advisers, I have only been a Gold Adviser for one young person; but I think it’s an interesting one. This young man was 23, had completed his degree, but said that it was very theoretical, and he wanted some ‘real’ experience in the arts to support him in applying for jobs.
So, although we emphasise the fact that Gold has 35 UCAS points (and thereby could make the difference between getting the Uni course you want or not), it’s not just for young people who are applying for Higher Education.
It’s a clear progression from Silver, and follows the same format – Unit 1 being all about developing your own knowledge and skills as an artist, and Unit 2 is plan, do & review a project.
It works in different settings, and with very different young people:
If you work at an arts organisation, you’ll value your young participants & audience members, and may run programmes, activities or schemes such as Young Ambassadors, Creative Apprentices or have young people on your Board. Gold Arts Award gives a practical framework, and added value; the young people gain a Level 3 qualification and LOADS to talk about at interviews; your organisation is supporting Arts Council England to deliver Goal 5. It’s win, win as far as I can see.
If you’re working in Education, Gold can work alongside AS/ A-Levels and any other qualification; work for one may stimulate work for another and vice versa. The portfolios which are created for Gold are fabulous; because there is ownership, because they are focussing on things they want to do, the breadth and depth is there; there is a real sense of pride, which is evident when young people talk about the work they’ve done for Gold – vital for University or job interviews.
If you’re a freelance artist, a youth worker, running a Charity or Community Interest Company, Gold is appealing to participants, partners and supporters; you’re adding value and offering something tangible. You may have wider aims than achieving Gold, but it is useful as a framework to use, and there are many transferable skills to take from it.
What are the transferable skills young people gain through doing Gold?
Communication, leadership, planning, analytical & review, time management, learning to work with others…
Don’t believe me? Take a look at these regional and national examples:
See the NICE film here.
Find out more from Jess – an Arts Award Gold achiever with Skimstone Arts here.
Take a look at some Gold portfolios here.
So, what’s stopping you?
There are several Gold Training dates throughout the year. Find out more and book here.
About me:
I am a freelance Arts Project Manager, and an adviser and trainer at all five levels of Arts Award. I have also recently become an Arts Award Moderator. I am also a trainer for Artsmark.
ajanegray@outlook.com @ajanegray
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