Power2Creativity in Peterborough!

I need your help to build a music and dance hub for the young people and community of Peterborough! At this stage, we will only be able to build the music studio part of the project due to venue size limitations. As evident in the video, demand for a dedicated music hub is excessive and it brings endless benefits for the young people. 

Age 13, I created and ran my own dance group named S*kings. I have performed in numerous shows, alongside well-known acts. As a dancer and musician myself I know how hard it is, for young people in Peterborough to gain access to quality facilities and opportunities in music and dance. This is what Empowering Creative People is set out to change.

Over the past 10 years, I have engaged with over 5,000 young people in Peterborough, delivering several music and dance related projects, alongside most of the city’s schools and organisations including Peterborough City Council and YMCA. The issue is what happens to the young people after these temporary projects are finished. There is nowhere else to go in order to follow up the initial ambition that is sparked in the participation of these short-term projects. Also, most of the venues used to deliver dance and music activities in these projects are not best suited for it. Therefore me and my instructors, at VTA have to adapt the delivery in the best way possible to maintain the quality; it isn't an easy job. 

Originally I approached the local authority (Peterborough City Council) and the organisations I delivered projects with, for support in taking this idea forward. During the past 5 years, many proposals were prepared, discussed, and negotiated, much surveying took place, thousands of hours of my time and money were invested but nothing actually happened, due to the “lack of funding” and “government cuts”. Despite not being able to contribute any funding towards this project the Peterborough City Council, and Young Peoples Service are in support of this project.

Now, I have decided to take this on by myself, but I need your help! So far, I have secured a perfect venue in the city centre. On behalf of ISE records, I have donated music equipment and paid the rent for the whole year of 2018. I have done everything in my power, but to move this to the next stage your support is fundamental.

All the funding raised will be used to refurbish the building into a music studio: soundproofing walls, studio furniture, acoustic treatment and music equipment. If the campaign overfunds the proceeds will be used to pursue the rest of the vision for Empowering Creative People, which is to deliver more projects and build the dance studio part of the hub.

I would appreciate all of you, if you support me, and Empowering Creative People, to donate whatever you can towards making this happen. Your support can turn this local dream into reality, thank you all in advance.

Let's empower creative young people in Peterborough!!!

Many Thanks, 

Tiago Varela, 
Empowering Creative People