A change for Grassroots in Cardiff

Here’s a recent and very descriptive press release on Grassroots reopening in Cardiff. You couldn’t ask for nicer people to help out the youths of today. Head over to http://www.grassrootscardiff.com/ for details.

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2010 will see in a new era for Grassroots, the legendary youth project in the heart of Cardiff’s city centre that helped kick start the careers of some of Wales’ best bands. The Manics, Catatonia, Super Furries and the Stereophonics all recorded their first tracks in Grassroots’ music studio. The project, which has welcomed tens of thousands of young people through its doors in its 30 year history, has recently undergone a major transformation.

When renovation to its Victorian terraced home at 58 Charles Street finishes in May 2010, Grassroots will boast a wheelchair friendly, street level access to a lively new coffee bar/social area, a youth specific advice department and toilets for the disabled.

As well as serving tasty snacks, the coffee bar/social area will offer young people the opportunity to learn healthy cooking on a low budget and other basic skills. It will run regular workshops on youth issues, screen videos by local film-makers and provide a performance stage for young bands, artists, poets and stand-ups who want to try out their stuff on a smaller audience. It will also offer free internet access.

The advice department will provide a free drop-in service which is youth specific. The project aims to listen to young people’s problems and then help solve them together.

Make your way to the first floor and you will find Grassroots’ Workshops.

The relocated Music Department will be bigger and better with a custom designed recording studio, new equipment, more industry-standard software and a newly added vocal/drum booth. The department will offer marketing skills to young musicians to promote their work through local radio, press, internet, etc. It will also run the acclaimed jam sessions and music technology courses, as well as regular gigs in the Grassroots coffee bar.

The Digital Arts Department will offer training in a wide spectrum of digitally produced art: film and video, graphic design, photography, creative writing and publication.

Finally there will be a bright gallery space which will house anything from an art exhibition to craft tuition to a street dance workshop. This space will also be bookable by other youth interest groups in Cardiff.

The refurbishment has been funded by Cardiff Youth Service/WAG Grant; Cardiff Council’s Community Buildings Fund; The Grassroots’ Charity.

Come see what we have got to offer on our Official Relaunch Day Event on Tuesday 25th May from 12pm. Workshops, exhibitions, advice, free food, live music and lots of positive options for young people !