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A community arts venue which works with troubled youngsters has just received a massive cash boost after a successful summer. The Garage, on Chapel Field North, has been awarded £30,000 over three years to develop its dance activity in partnership with Norfolk Dance and national dance companies such as Re:Bourne, part of Matthew Bourne's dance company.

The money, from the LankellyChase foundation, will enable the venue to bring in celebrated dancers such as Norfolk-born Aaron Sillis, and provide young people, community dance leaders and professionals the opportunity to work alongside them, developing their own skills and expertise.

The venue has started its own popular weekly performance companies in dance and drama for a range of ages, which take place every Wednesday, and one of the groups will be dancing alongside Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity at the Chapelfield lights switch-on next month. It is also involved in a project in collaboration with the National Theatre where local young people will work with critically acclaimed writers to create a new play which will be available nationally for other schools and youth groups to use next year as part of the Discover: New Connections programme.

Darren Grice, executive director of The Garage, said: “This is very exciting as it is another way that we are helping young people to express their ideas and to be heard. We are particularly pleased that this project will give young people from Norwich and Norfolk a national platform to challenge stereotypes of growing up in Norfolk. “Last week we had auditions for our 'Slam' crew, the group which will organise the regular urban themed Slam events for other young people and we are about to begin recruitment for our next Blueprint volunteering project. “We will be looking to recruit young people aged 16-25 to manage projects with community benefit. You covered this project last year which culminated in a film about support services, helping young people to access information about getting a job. “This year we expect to link the project into our Slam Nights, using them as a platform to consult with young people and share their views and opinions. We may also explore providing information, advice and guidance as part of the event. “The actual topics will be decided by the group themselves as will the target audience and overall community benefit that they wish to provide.”

To get involved, call The Garage on 01603 283382 or visit www.thegarage.org.uk.

written by Sam Emanuel, Norwich Evening News 22.10.09