The Cork Academy of Music is
combining with SIPTU and other Community Employment (CE) projects in the city
to present a free musical “Concert for Communities” this evening Thursday 4th
October at 8pm at the Triskel Arts Centre. Renowned musician and Lyric FM
presenter Evelyn Grant has been confirmed as the MC for the night. The purpose
of the event is to showcase the value of Community Employment Projects in the
city and the talent of current course participants.
The Academy was established by
Bob Seward as a voluntary initiative in 1994 in recognition of the need for a
musical institute on the North side of city. This initiative was set up to give
marginalised adults and young people the opportunity to learn music using this
as a way to encourage them to access further education and to improve their
skills for employment opportunities.
Over 700 people have now graduated
from this innovative CE scheme and most have gone to enjoy paid employment and a
career in the music industry. Dozens of students have gone on to complete Degrees,
Masters and even Ph. D’s thanks to the work of the dedicated tutors and staff
of the Academy.
This year the academy has
initiated a full time music course for fifteen young people at risk with
support of the RAPID programme (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment
and Development)
At a time when
funding for Community Employment schemes is under unprecedented pressure from
government cutbacks the participants are determined to play their part in promoting
the real value of quality training provided by Community Employment.
SIPTU Organiser Trevor Quinn
confirmed “Workers from the academy will be joined by participants from the Togher CE music project
and the Cantabile Vocal
Ensemble Choir, and will be supported by CE workers from the Triskel
Arts Centre in a unique collaboration to promote the value of high quality
Community Employment Training Projects in Cork City. All local councillors and
TD’s from the city and county will be invited and urged to ensure their
continued support for CE schemes in the city.” For more information on the
concert contact Trevor Quinn on 0872906803.
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