Young Writers Sought for New Dark Skies Arts Project

LIVERPOOL'S Theatre in the Rough has been awarded funding for:- 'SKYGLOW' an innovative arts project exploring the impact of light pollution on our planet. Bringing together astronomy, ecology, and the arts, SKYGLOW promises to shed light on the vanishing stars and its ecological repercussions.

The truth is stark: a child born today will see less than half the stars in tonight's sky by the time they're 18. This is due to 'skyglow'; the haze of artificial light pollution dimming the brilliance of the cosmos. Thousands of years of navigation, myth-making, indigenous traditions, and more, is under threat.

Beyond its celestial implications, skyglow also exerts a toll on our ecosystems. By disrupting the natural transition from sunlight to starlight, it interferes with the behaviour, physiology, and intricate balance of many of Earth's species.

Theatre in the Rough is now inviting eco-conscious writers to explore this topic by creating a series of starlit monologues slated for performance at Sudley Walled Garden in Mossley Hill. 10 selected writers will have access to exclusive workshops led by arts, astronomy, and ecology experts from:- the University of Central Lancashire, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and Theatre in the Rough. As well as seeing their pieces performed, they will also be published in a new anthology.

Chris Fittock, Director of Theatre in the Rough, said:- "The stars have guided humanity for millennia, but their brilliance is being obscured by the lights we've created. Through this project, we aim to reignite wonder for the night sky while raising awareness of how light pollution disrupts the natural rhythms of life on Earth. By empowering young voices to weave stories illuminating this issue, we hope to inspire actions that will help preserve our starry inheritance for generations to come."

Participants must be aged between:- 12 and 25 and live in the Liverpool City Region. No experience is necessary. An application form and more information can be found by going to:- TheatreInTheRough.Com . The deadline for applications is Friday 7 June 2024.

Inaugural Liverpool City Region awards ceremony celebrates adult learning

ADULT learners funded through Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) celebrated their academic success at a new awards ceremony.

Radio City Presenter Leanne Campbell hosted the event at:- The Florrie, in Liverpool, and handed out trophies to winners in 13 different categories.

The inaugural City Region wide adult education awards recognised students aged 19 and over who have completed adult learning courses using funding secured by Mayor Rotheram and the combined authority.

LCRCA commissions and funds adult education with an annual budget (AEB) of around �53m.

David Galbraith, an Inclusive Learning Advisor, at Myerscough College, was named as the City Region's 1st ever Learner of the Year while La Salle Hotel School, which helps budding chefs and gardeners learn their craft, won the Referral Partner of the Year award.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Employment, Education and Skills for 2023/24, said:- "We are ambitious about upskilling the City Region's workforce and this year made the largest investment yet into adult skills training; almost �60m. Our adult education budget traditionally supports more than 30,000 students with 75% from disadvantaged areas so it is great that we celebrate the achievements of our inspirational learners and providers."

Realise successfully applied for the funds to co-ordinate the Liverpool City Region Adult Education Awards and has worked in conjunction with LCRCA to launch them and celebrate the achievements of local learners in a range of local colleges and training providers.

Gregg Scott, CEO at Realise, said:- "Having so many incredible learners in 1 room and hearing their amazing stories was truly inspirational for everyone in attendance. Adult education training in the Liverpool City Region has a huge role to play in helping enhance the employment credentials of thousands of people and we are delighted to play our part in helping to deliver that. This was a unique awards ceremony that brought together multiple training providers and their learners under 1 roof for a major celebration. We were proud to work with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to deliver these awards and create a memorable occasion for all involved."

Adult Learner of the Year awards were presented for 6 local authority areas:- Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. The other categories are Learning to Gain Work, Learning in Work, Progression in Learning, Health & Wellbeing and Social Integration.

The awards were open to anyone in the Liverpool City Region who has completed an AEB course since the start of 2023.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has had devolved powers for AEB since 2019.

As part of this funding LCRCA has funded a series of celebrations in learning this year, including:- an awards ceremony for adult learners that celebrates their achievements with local colleges and training providers.

Realise, the awards co-ordinating training provider, delivers adult education provision in the City Region to more than 1,000 adults every year, with curriculum that includes early years, functional skills in English and maths, teaching assistant skills, hairdressing, IT Skills, employability and customer service and nationally supports more than 1,000 employers and more than 10,000 learners a year throughout apprenticeships and adult education courses.

Winners:-