A recent Big Night Out at Bournemouth's Centre Stage, was a chance for Mix It Up DJ artists to show their new skills to almost 200 clubbers, who danced along to a selection of music by each of the participants.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bob Chapman, accompanied by Deputy Mayoress, Mrs Barbara Johnson, talked to participants and handed out certificates to DJ artists completing the first Mix It Up course, led by DJ artist Simon Green.
This was the third Big Night organised by and for people with learning disabilities, through Bournemouth People First - The Forum. Two further courses took place at centre Stage during the Autumn, leading to a Big Night Out at Bournemouth Pavilion on Tuesday 20th November.
Why It's Important
This project is the result of ideas discussed by members of Being Part of the Community meetings, a forum linked to the Valuing People White Paper, which addresses 'Choices and Independence'. People with learning difficulties have said they want to plan and take part in more cultural activities.
Development and Funding
The project is developed within the framework of the Bournemouth and Poole Joint Arts plan, as a partnership project between Bournemouth People First - The Forum, Poole Forum and the arts development teams of Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole.
The project is managed by a project co-ordinator, Kevin Hall, and trainee co-ordinator, Andy Palmer, with support worker, Mel Bennett.
The project is funded by Awards for All, and Bournemouth Borough Council.
The Project Aims
to provide accessible cultural activities in the the community
to provide opportunities for creative skills development in DJ-ing
to provide opportunity to work with experienced professional artists
to provide links to the Big Night Out
To celebrate the culture of people with learning disabilities