New Lodge Arts provide innovative, fun and educational activities that stretch right across the community and political divide in north Belfast. Working with approximately 2000 children and young people each year, New Lodge Arts has embedded itself at the heart of north Belfast. With a strong community focus and a passion for supporting the needs of young people within the area, New Lodge Arts provide creative opportunities and challenges that unlock young people’s potential inspiring them to grow and succeed. New Lodge Arts want to continue to strengthen and develop their annual arts programme while collaborating with others to provide a holistic wrap round youth development experience where arts and creativity are the driving force.
History
Back in 2003, Ashton Community Trust set up New Lodge Arts as a one year pilot programme with the aim of bringing the arts to the young people of the Greater New Lodge. Ashton Community Trust (ACT) is a social enterprise and development trust which seeks to make north Belfast a better place for its residents to live and prosper. It does this through the provision of services such as employment and training, stress management, childcare and community development. ACT has grown over the last twenty years to the extent where it now employs over 150 people and has an annual turnover in excess of £3m.
For more information on Ashton Community Trust visit www.ashtoncentre.com