Little A Magazine launchedA new creative outlet for young people.
In a youth culture that is glued to the box and wrapped up in reality TV, it's a great feat that the education department at Aesthetica Arts Organisation (funded by Arts Action York at the City of York Council) have managed to work with nine young people from Canon Lee School to help them to create their own cultural arts magazine.
The "Little A Magazine" entitled Kano Magazine, for this edition was completely created by young people at Canon Lee School aged 12-15. The magazine comprises artwork, creative writing, interviews, reviews commentary and debate, features, and interactive games. The "Little A Magazine" provides a unique glimpse into Britain's youth culture.
The young people worked in after school workshops to plan, write, edit and design their magazine. Programme organiser, Cherie Federico, says, "The 'Little A Magazine' empowers young people and gives them the opportunity to have a voice in their own community, as well as to represent themselves positively and to develop both their creative and interpersonal skills."
The "Little A Magazine" is unique in that currently, there are no other young people's magazines that are so professional and that encourage creativity, growth and development.
One young person said, "I have found the sessions very interesting because I have met people, made something and I feel that I have done something good" whilst another young person said, "I've learned an absolute bucket load about magazines and poetry."
Assistant Head Teacher, Doug Elliott says, "I was delighted with the quality of Kano Magazine. It represents outstanding work created by Canon Lee Students." He continues, "I hope that everyone who reads Kano Magazine recognises the high level of work that has gone into its production."
The project has been so successful that a two-day residential in London has been organised by Aesthetica Arts, SS Robin Gallery, a journalist/photo editor from the Times Education Supplement, and Canon Lee School. The young people will have the opportunity to work with professional photographers and photo editors from The Times.
Cherie Federico says, "we cannot wait to take this project to other schools and provide more young people for the chance to improve their communication and IT skills as well as become vested in creative arts as a means for positive inspired expression. The growth in the young people is amazing; this type of experience will last a lifetime."
