The BIG Takeover - Shetland 2018
Young people will take over the running of some of Shetland’s key public buildings, as part of the national Year of Young People (YoYP) in 2018. “The BIG Takeover – Shetland 2018” will see young people working together to plan and deliver a broad range of arts, sports and cultural events in Shetland venues over the weekend of 14-16 September 2018. Shetland Museum and Archives is proud to be part of this project.
The BIG Takeover, lasting three-days in Shetland, is one of a number of YoYP “signature” events that will be held throughout the year in locations right across the country, which celebrate the talents and achievements of young people in Scotland.
The programme will include music, drama, arts, crafts, film and sport, at seven locations - Mareel, The Garrison Theatre, Islesburgh Community Centre, Shetland Library, Shetland Museum and Archives, Clickimin Leisure Complex and the Gilbertson Park. They will be supported by staff from each of the respective organisations, to deliver a programme of activities aimed at young people between the ages of 8 and 26, with some events also available to the wider public.
Around thirty YoYP ambassadors are already involved in the discussions around the programme, working alongside partner agencies, including Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Arts, Shetland Recreational Trust, Shetland Museum and Archives, VisitScotland and Voluntary Action Shetland.
The YoYP programme aims to inspire the nation through the ideas, attitudes and ambitions of young people. The programme was launched nationally on Monday 13th November by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Childcare and Early Years, attended the launch event at the Clickimin Centre in Lerwick on 14th November.
Todd MSP, Minister for Childcare and Early Years: "The BIG Takeover in Shetland is gearing up to be a very exciting event next year. As one of the signature events for Year of Young People 2018, it will be a fantastic addition to the programme - involving young people from Scotland's most northerly region. I've also been hearing today about plans to bring The BIG Takeover to other Island local authority areas - building on the success of this fantastic concept.
“The Year of Young People aims to inspire Scotland through its young people, celebrating their achievements, valuing their contribution to communities and creating new opportunities for them to shine locally, nationally and globally."
Councillor George Smith, Chair of Education and Families Committee: “The Year of Young People will of course be a memorable year across the country and especially here in Shetland, where we have some very capable and talented young people. I have no doubt that they will work positively with staff to come up with an exciting and creative programme of local events. I’m sure too that our young folk will gain new skills and confidence, and that local bodies will benefit from some fresh and youthful input.”
Sonny Thomason MSYP: “I am so excited for the Year of Young People 2018. The Steering Group has listened to the initial ideas of young people and placed them at the centre of the planning for the year ahead. Young Shetlanders will be at the heart of the local plans and this is an amazing opportunity for the public and voluntary sector to work together to support young people.”
The BIG Takeover in Shetland is funded with a grant of £38,000 from EventScotland towards the estimated costs of £80,000.
Young people are invited to come along a meeting to get involved in the planning and programming of The BIG Takeover, on Wednesday 22nd November at 7.00pm in Mareel Auditorium, Lerwick
For more details and updates on “The Big Takeover – Shetland 2018” look up: https://www.thebigtakeover2018.com/
Image: Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Early Years and Childcare (centre) with local Year of Young People ambassadors at “The BIG Takeover – Shetland 2018” launch event on 14th November. Photo: SIC
