A new project, specifically created to work with young people who congregate in Pontio and other locations in Bangor, will work in a dynamic and responsive way with the young people by means of pop-up sessions.
BRAMA was launched in February 2020, following a pilot project “Yn y Foment” (In the Moment) in 2019, and is funded by the National Lottery as part of its Community Fund, providing artistic opportunities for young people in Bangor.
Brama’s mission is to reconnect young people with the public spaces of Pontio and Bangor community through art activities by deploying a ‘Brama Streets Teams’ to engage and build a relationship of trust and respect with young people. Allowing young people to steer their own learning and create cultural activity, make a positive difference with and for young people and improving access and opportunities for young people to the arts.
Due to the pandemic, the project has been delayed but is now launching with tutors and pop-up workshops! Rhys Roberts, was appointed project co-ordinator in February 2020 and has brought together a team of local creatives to lead the project.
The team of creatives bring a variety of art forms to the project. Dan Parry is a designer, working with animation and digital movement. Endaf Roberts, a music producer and DJ, Record Label owner and event’s organiser, will provide young people the opportunity to try electronic music production and performing. Owen McLean, the founder of ‘Letters Grow’ and owner of ‘MostlyHosts’ as well as a rapper and poet from Bangor.
In addition, Thomasine Thomkins, founder of Y Festri, Llanberis and Circo Arts, has experience in providing community arts, circus and events as well as broadening the horizons of young people by exploring the arts and bringing circus skills to the workshops. Yannick Hammer is a freelance videographer, filming music videos to events. Joe Thomas is a circus and fire performer with CircoPyro, a circus trainer with Circo Arts and a student at Bangor University.
Rhys, as well as being the project co-ordinator, is a former bassist for popular bands Anweledig and Sibrydion, as well as the founder of Cellb in Blaenau Ffestiniog, and promoter of Reggae music at Hendre Hall.
Rhys said, “It’s been a quiet year for all and the pandemic has stalled the project for us, however, we’re looking forward to kick-starting Brama over the coming weeks, working with the young people of Bangor. I set out to form a team of local creatives to lead the project, and I’m confident that with this team of tutors we’ll be able to do brilliant work with young people. Brama pop-up sessions will start over the coming weeks so keep an eye out for the team.”
The Brama logo was recently projected onto the side of buildings in Bangor to generate awareness and the Brama team will be around Bangor over the coming weeks and months, engaging with young people.
