'Pop-up' events in Southwark get 2012 cultural skills funding

The London Development Agency's 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund enables art and skills organisations in the capital to put on courses in drama, costume-making, technical theatre, film-making, music production, photography, advertising and event management.

This is the third and final round of the £1.2 million fund which the LDA claims has helped hundreds of Londoners to improve their employment prospects in the creative industries and participate in the Cultural Olympiad and other arts-related activities in the run up to 2012.

Southwark Playhouse, which is receiving £48,462 from the fund, will work with people who are not in employment, education or training to create 'pop-up' events across Southwark. In partnership with event management company Giraffe Live, Southwark Playhouse will offer intensive training in event and production management, which will include budgeting, marketing and technical training.

Leonard Cheshire Disability's Ability Media Centre in Southwark Bridge Road will receive funding of £37,166 to offer an accessible media club which will allow local people to develop new skills in film making, photography and radio broadcasting. This project includes one-to-one mentoring and employment support, and will culminate in a final public exhibition to showcase the works produced.

"By supporting Ability Media Creative Skills 4 All the London Development Agency will enable us to strengthen Ability Media's community links and make an exciting contribution to the creative output of the capital," says Jane Fletcher, Leonard Cheshire Disability's director of innovative projects.

"The young people will have the satisfaction of taking their very own projects right through from initial idea to a high quality end product, ready for public exhibition. Not only will the confidence and self-esteem of the young people grow enormously through their achievements but also their standing in the eyes of the community will grow, as their talents and dedication manifest themselves."

Last year the Young Vic in Waterloo received nearly £50,000 from the same fund.