The program will enable up to 150 young people, who otherwise

wouldn’t be able to afford such a

pastime, to attend a variety of arts workshops over a 12-month period.

The five-year deal, valued at $50,000, will allow D’faces to expand its existing scholarship program and offer a choice of workshops and

activities.

Scholarships will be offered across the range of D’faces programs, primarily focusing on access to the weekly workshops in hip hop and funk dance, drama and clowning, but include a limited number of scholarships for special projects as well as support for young members to perform and/or exhibit outside of Whyalla.

D’faces of youth arts company manager Cathy Thompson said it’s about improving the self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth of young people through the broadening of their skills.

“OneSteel should be applauded for their commitment to the cultural development of Whyalla’s youth.

“It is a well-known fact that the arts stimulate imagination, generate capacity and energy and offer new ways of experiencing the world.

“These scholarships will allow so many of Whyalla’s young people to develop personally and socially, “ Ms Thompson said.

OneSteel general manager human resources Alan Tidswell said the program is about ensuring the youth of Whyalla have access to a variety of recreational pastimes.

“We recognise that the youth of Whyalla are interested in being part of a variety of activities, so we’re keen to help artistic ventures such as D’faces continue and grow through our support.

“Our community support program is focused not only on local young people but also the disadvantaged.

This scholarship is therefore a great way to assist both those groups while allowing D’faces to grow through increased community exposure,” Mr Tidswell said.

The program provides young people with access to professional arts workers, positive role models, ongoing performing arts workshops, cultural opportunities and the ability to follow their dreams.

An arts’ rich childhood improves literacy, numeracy, social skills and personal development.

Arts experience is also vital in the acquisition of skills and knowledge by young people, thereby enhancing their employment opportunities and providing profound social and economic benefits said Ms Thompson.

“D’faces’ base in the old Buff Hall on Viscount Slim Ave allows all young people to be part of a fully-inclusive, non-judgemental space where they can feel free to be themselves.

“It truly is a rare opportunity for youth in a country area to have access to such a program that helps them learn and grow as individuals.

“Art should not be about financial capability it should be about passion and the ability to pursue a dream.

“The OneSteel Scholarship Program addresses this by providing the means to allow passionate young people to follow their dreams, be they for dance, drama, clowning, visual arts or music,” Ms Thompson added.

Based in Whyalla, D’faces of youth arts ultimately exists to provide young people, aged seven to 27 years, with the guidance, support and education necessary to allow self expression through artistic endeavour.

Access is available to all young people regardless of race, ability, gender or socio-economic status.

Application forms for the OneSteel Scholarship Program are now available from D’faces of youth arts on Viscount Slim Ave, Whyalla Norrie.

Contact the office on 8645 1265 or email dfaces@pacific.net.au for more information.

Term three workshops commence on Tuesday, July 22.