A Worcester art organisation celebrated receiving a City Council grant to help train and employ local artists and young people.

Worcester Arts Workshop, in Sansome Street, launched its new ‘Pathways to Employment’ project which will create training and job opportunities for eight local artists, volunteers and young people.

The project comes from a successful bid for a grant from the Worcester City Council Inclusive Growth grant scheme which provides support and funding for projects involving young people aged 16-24 and long-term unemployed residents over the age of 25.

The launch event was attended by City councillors, trustees, and other local organisations delivering the Inclusive Growth programme.

Attendees were shown an LGBTQ History Month visual arts exhibition by Worcester-based artist Samantha Jane Eagle and there were demonstrations from other local emerging artists.

Rachel Troth, a volunteer who now has the opportunity to become a caretaker, said: “I have volunteered at WAW for over 12 years. The arts centre is very important to me and the local community as a safe space. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to now work here.”

Hannah Phillips, director of transformation at Worcester Arts Workshop said: “A major part of our aim at Worcester Arts Workshop is to work with vulnerable, marginalised and hard to reach individuals, communities and young people.

"As an inclusive organisation, we hope the Pathways to Employment project will open up opportunities to individuals who face prejudice, negativities and barriers to employment."

Councillor Lucy Hodgson said “The Inclusive Growth programme is all about bringing the hidden talents of out of work residents back into the economy.

"This project meets all the objectives by upskilling and creating jobs for people who are most disadvantaged in the jobs market."