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hackney impact arts academy

Hackney Impact Arts Academy

Hackney Impact Arts Academy (HIAA)encourages young people's talents and ambitions by providing a programme of professional arts based training for local teenagers. The project is delivered in partnership by three Hackney based youth-empowerment organisations in the form of dance and movement with Eastside, music with Rising Tide and film with Mouth that Roars. The project is designed to develop the skills of young people who are not  in education, employment or training (NEET) and is delivered through a series of positive interventions on local Hackney estates and in community centres, youth groups and special schools. HIAA targets young people who have been disempowered by formal education and offers the participants opportunities for development within art-forms that hold wider appeal. The project provides significant opportunities for young people who feel socially and culturally disenfranchised, to get involved with groups of like-minded young people and to take part in a structured programme of positive activities. Eastside offers young people the opportunity to get involved in a varied range of dance workshops including Hip Hop, Street Dance, Contemporary Dance, Break Dance, Body Percussion, Capoeira and Musical Theatre. Furthermore HIAA participants recently worked with the Richard Alston Dance Company at The Place and have attended the Breakin' Convention, the London Youth Dance Festival and a number of professional dance shows. By participating, young people are able to improve their skills and successfully work together as a team, resulting in individuals who are open to exploration and sharing ideas. HIAA also offers young people practical support in deciding their future and provides opportunities for accreditation through the Arts Award at Bronze or Silver level.