Bright Space is recruiting youth bloggers for a new arts and social media project

Bright Space is launching a new and exciting social media project entitled Platform (www.projectplatform.org.uk) for 16-19 years olds living in Birmingham, UK.

Platform will be a blog featuring articles, reviews, events listings and much more, written by young people for young people and will represent a unique perspective on arts activity in Birmingham.  Bright Space is now looking to recruit 15 young people who are interested in reporting, reviewing and attending the many cultural and creative events in and around the city. This includes performances, festivals, exhibitions, launches and gigs. Deadline for applications is Monday 19^th July 2010.

Successful applicants will receive a £200 bursary and the opportunity to attend a week long intensive summer school, which will highlight the many techniques and skills they will need to become fully fledged Platform bloggers. During the week they will take part in workshops led by industry experts including; journalists, photographers, bloggers and film-makers.  Subjects covered will include:

• Journalism, writing, reviewing and interview techniques
• Podcasting with audio and video
• Photo blogging and social media tools
• Events management, promotion and marketing

The Platform bloggers will then organise a live launch of the website and it’s content to their peers, parents, friends and mentors. The group will meet regularly throughout the project with continued access to and mentoring from industry professionals who will support them in creating content, researching articles and building their on-line readership.

The core group will improve skills in; ICT, literacy, independent learning and critical thinking. The  project will also support those wishing to pursue a career within the creative and cultural industries.

The aspiration for Platform is to amplify young people as unique, dynamic, cultural commentators that successfully communicate, inspire and engage other young people, while at the same time propose significant debate about their cultural offer.  It is also hoped that Platform will become a vehicle that cultural organisations, venues and promoters connect with to ensure their programming reflects the breadth and individuality of young people in Birmingham.

Do you want to become a Platform journalist?

• Are you 16 – 19 year old?
• Do you like writing?
• Are you interested in social media and the creative industries; Gaming, Fashion,  Art , Drama, Music, Design, Slam Poetry, Dance, Craft, Photography, Film or Writing?
• Do you want to review the latest fashion trends or stage performances, test new games or interview industry professionals?

You will receive:

• A bursary of £200 and agreed travel expenses
• Press Pass and Guest List to Birmingham Events
• An audience from around the world
• Support from an industry mentor
• A place on a week long summer school learning new skills and exploring online journalism

To apply you must:

• Be 16-19 years old
• Be available to attend a week-long summer school from 2^nd August – 8^th August, plus the launch weekend 12th-13^th September
• Commit to monthly meetings and be willing to attend gigs, events, and performances

All you have to do is …

• Write a 200 word article on a creative passion that you have, including your name, address, date of birth and contact details
• Send the completed article along with all the necessary contact details to Bright Space, Studio 222 The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham. B9 4AA or Email it to info@brightspace.org.uk

• Deadline for application Monday 19th July 2010

For more information please go to www.brightspace.org.uk T: 0121 772 6932 E: info@brightspace.org.uk

Platform from platform on Vimeo.