North Star Academy of performing arts
Based in Linwood, the North Star Academy of Performing Arts (NSAPA) is an umbrella organisation for a number of performing arts groups in Renfrewshire. It was formed in November 2001 with the aim of making the performing arts accessible to the young people and adults in the local area.
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At the time of their application there were only two member groups – Brass Impact!, a Big Band musical group and Starlitz, a young dance group.
The award allowed NSAPA to set up a new young music group from the waiting list of young people wanting to join. |
The project addresses a number of the key aims and objectives of Scottish Arts Council. It also contributes to a number of the Capital strategic priorities including:
- improving the quality of arts provision
- improving the facilities for younger children
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Since the award last year NSAPA has raised the profile of dance and music locally and increased participation in its activities. |
As an organisation it has developed significantly and now has five member dance and music groups:
- Brass Impact! Big Band
- Starlitz Dance Ensemble
- Little Big Band Junior Ensemble
- Samba Kidz Percussion Ensemble
- Star Stix.
Brass Impact performed at Glasgow’s Jazz Festival this summer and along with NSAPA now hosts Renfrewshire’s high profile jazz concert – The Big Swing. Along with Starlitz the band will be expanding its performances into Europe and perform in Paris in July.
In NSAPA applied to the Capital Small Grants scheme and in July 2003 received a grant of £32,424 towards the cost of purchasing:
- new instruments
- a portable stage
- sound and lighting equipment
NSAPA was successful in raising other funding for this project from a variety of public and private sources such as Renfrewshire Council, Robertson Trust, Bank of Scotland, Developing Strathclyde Ltd, private sponsorship and donations as well as their own fundraising.
Visit the North Star Academy of Performing Arts website for more information. |