Gallery TS1, Middlesbrough re-opened in festive style last week with a new team of apprentices creating everything festive for Christmas. Middlesbrough Council’s highly successful training scheme has so far seen 80% of participants go into employment, further training or self employment and the project has been enthusiastically received by shoppers – hitting its annual income target within its first 3 weeks of trading.
Gallery TS1 was initiated by Middlesbrough Council’s Arts and Cultural Services Team.
The Gallery re-opened in Corporation Road, Middlesbrough opposite the Empire on Friday, 25th November for 3 weeks. Trainees, who had previously been unemployed will produce goods for sale in the on site shop, (Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10pm – 4pm). The trainees are guided by professional artists who will be leading teams in the production of a host of Christmas goodies including: felt hats, scarves and stockings; Christmas wreaths and flowers; customised decorations – made to order for your specific style! In addition, the shop will continue to sell jewellery, cards; stationery; photographs and prints of the region.
Gallery TS1 is managed by Mike McGrother of tees valley arts who said of the re-opening, “it’s really exciting to see how well the Gallery is doing – both in terms of sales and in terms of the effect on young people’s lives. Connexions’ Kick Start programme has been referring loads of young people to us who really benefit from a process and product based training and to see them go on to bigger and better things is absolutely fantastic. For many, this is the first opportunity to show what a positive contribution they can make to their town and we should be shouting from the roof tops about their talents and commitment”.
Gallery TS1 will operate up until Christmas and will then re-open in the new year – again with new trainees and new art forms.
For further details, please contact tees valley