Young people gained an inspirational experience of the arts thanks to a new initiative from business charity BW3.
For more than 20 years, BW3 has been working to improve the economic and social wellbeing of Wythenshawe through a wide-ranging programme of activity, including mentoring, work experience and other school projects.
It has teamed up with the The Lowry, in Salford, to offer a cohort of 50 students the chance to get a theatre experience, which for many was the first time they saw a live professional performance.
The group of drama students, from BW3’s school of the year – the Manchester Enterprise Academy – watched The Beekeeper of Aleppo, a moving story about the plight of Syrian refugees.
It was the first trip as part of the “BW3 Experiences” programme launched in the organisation’s 20th birthday year. The students – from years eight to 11 – will produce a video diary of their trip.
BW3 chair Adam Jupp said: “BW3 is all about partnerships, and working towards the common goal of inspiring young people in Wythenshawe. It has been great to forge a relationship with The Lowry and to give these students the chance to venture out of Wythenshawe and experience a live performance.”
John Cowie, Curriculum Lead of Performing Arts at Manchester Enterprise Academy said “What a fantastic experience, an emotive performance that reduced students to tears and gave them a taste of one of the premiere theatre experiences in the city. The students of MEA laughed, cried and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. BW3 has given an opportunity to students that they would not otherwise have had.”
BW3 is a charity that brings businesses together to improve the economic and social wellbeing of Wythenshawe. It was co-founded more than 20 years ago by a number of prominent organisations in the area, including Manchester Airports Group and Manchester City Council.
It has more than 200 members and hosts regular events for businesses, with speakers on a range of subjects and either inspire guests or help them grow their businesses.
To find out more about BW3’s work or get involved click here or contact zara@bw3.org.uk