Curve Theatre By NotFromUtrecht (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

In August, Curve Theatre, Leicester’s groundbreaking arts-led social change scheme Young Arts Entrepreneurs (YAE) will celebrate the end of its second successful year.

Running over a total of three years, YAE works with 12 young people aged 16-25 each year, enabling them to launch their own social enterprise and provide opportunities and benefits for their communities.

Curve is now looking at options to extend the project beyond the life of the original three-year funded programme, in order to create a template which could be rolled out across arts organisations nationally.

The YAE participants are challenged and developed through intensive business skills training and a Mentors Scheme, which complement their arts projects to ensure they have a viable, high quality business model and product. They are supported by local companies through a 10-week programme covering practical business skills such as leadership and management, finance, press and marketing, problem solving and entrepreneurship.

Eleven projects have been enabled in 2012 – 2013, which again cover a variety of artforms including drama, poetry and spoken word, movement and dance and music. The YAEs have worked with diverse groups from the communities of Leicestershire, ranging from ex-offenders to disadvantaged young people and those with special educational needs.

On Wednesday 14 August, the YAEs will take over Curve for a day of workshops, performances and presentations, including a set from emerging singer-songwriter Mark Elliott and a live stream to Jess Green at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The event will also include a networking opportunity for local businesses to meet what could be the next generation of key arts industry players.

The Young Arts Entrepreneurs’ Showcase Day will take place at Curve on Wednesday 14 August, 9.30am-4pm.