AN ARTS project which initially was set up at the beginning of 2020 is now launching to offer young people fresh creative opportunities.

‘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.

The project was created to specifically work with young people who congregate in Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre and other locations in Bangor, working in a dynamic and responsive way to the young people who visit Pontio, by means of pop-up sessions.

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.

It aims to allow young people to steer their own learning and create cultural activity, and make a positive difference with and for young people and improving access and opportunities for young people to the arts.

Due to the COVID-19 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 creatives to lead the project.

Among the team is Dan Parry, a designer, working with animation and digital movement; Endaf Roberts, a music producer and DJ, record label owner and events organiser, who will provide young people the opportunity to try electronic music production and performing; and 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, while 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.”