Praise for 'No More Nowt Happens' project

Young people came together to celebrate a project which put an end to the idea that "Nowt Happens" in East Durham.

​Young people from across the area took part in a showcase event at Dawdon Youth & Community Centre, Seaham, in front of family and friends, to celebrate their achievements in organising five major arts events across the area.

​The showcase event was part of East Durham Trust's 'No More Nowt Happens' project which is funded by County Durham Community Foundation. The project brings groups of young people together to plan and stage arts events with professional performers and artists in local non-traditional venues, putting an end to the idea that 'Nowt Happens'.

​Performers including Barry Hyde, of the Futureheads, and Door-to-Door Poet Rowan McCabe joined the young people in a multimedia celebration that featured performances, works of art, music and more.

​The project also included a major photography exhibition, a music gig, a spoken word night, a comedy night and a digital art exhibition. All events were organised and run by young people in their own communities. the events engaged an audience of more than 550 people with almost 100 young people becoming involved.

​Prior to organising the event, many of the young people had never attended concerts or exhibitions but were encouraged to go and see such events to inspire them ahead of the planning stage. Many of the young people also formed friendships as well as developing their social networks, learning new skills and growing in confidence.

​Malcolm Fallow, Chief Executive of East Durham Trust, said: "This project has been a revelation in that young people have really helped to put their respective communities on the cultural map".