News from Pegasus Theatre:
Oxford's young people to create a portrait of their city

11 July 2008

Young people from Oxford will create a portrait of their city and its historic roots, thanks to a £29,500 Heritage Lottery Fund grant announced today.

OYAP Trust, in partnership with Pegasus Theatre and the Oxford Preservation Trust will use the cash to fund a project called Car to Spire, which will become Oxford's contribution to Portrait of a Nation - a celebration of cultural identity through the eyes of the nation's youth.

Run by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008, Portrait of a Nation is a year-long programme of events and online activity that challenges young people to explore the impact that their cultural roots have had on their values and sense of identity. Oxford is one of 17 cities* taking part.

Thanks to today's news, the Car to Spire project will see young people from across Oxfordshire come together to celebrate the people who made Oxford into the city it is today. Recognising that Oxford is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, they will focus on communities who have come to the area over the last 100 years to work at either the University or the Car Factory.

Fifteen young people will work with Oxford Preservation Trust to research the stories of individuals who have made an impact on the town because of their connection to the academic or industrial life of Oxford. Using this research as inspiration, the group will work with Pegasus Theatre to create a unique performance that captures what it means to come from this vibrant city.

Michelle Davies, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in South East England, said: "Portrait of a Nation is a chance for young people to have their voices heard in the debate about makes the heritage of our cities and country special. Oxford's contribution will be a unique portrait of a world famous city and I look forward to seeing the work that the young people produce to capture the essence of its cultural identity."

Quote from OYAP:
Helen Le Brocq, Director of OYAP Trust, said: “This project represents a fantastic opportunity for the young people of Oxfordshire to represent their City to other young people from across the country. These young artists will be given the chance to work with some incredible professional artists to create a piece of theatre that will be both exciting and innovative, and which will reflect an insight into their own town’s cultural heritage, and then to take part in an amazing performance at the St George’s Hall in Liverpool. We are delighted to be supported in this by the Heritage Lottery Fund and all of our partners.”

Quote from one of the young people
Will Platt, (17), said of the project: “It will be an honour for me to represent my home town of Oxford. I relish the opportunity to be able to take part in such an exciting project, it will require a big team effort but I am sure it will be a huge success.”

- ENDS -

For further information please contact Sam Goody at the HLF press office on 020 7591 6033 or email samanthag@hlf.org.uk.
To learn more about Oxford's Car to Spire - Portrait of a Nation project, contact Jo Griffiths at jo@oyap.org.uk.

Notes to Editors:

• Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK. See our website at www.hlf.org.uk.

* Cities running local Portrait of a Nation events include:-
• Belfast
• Birmingham
• Bradford
• Brighton & Hove
• Bristol
• Canterbury
• Cardiff
• Derby
• Leicester
• Leeds
• Liverpool
• Newham (London)
• Manchester
• NewcastleGateshead
• Norwich
• Nottingham
• Oxford
• Inverness (Highlands and Islands)

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