Aspire Dundee

The programme is using a range of cultural activities – including dance, drama, and music –as an innovative way of tackling deprivation and building the self-confidence of children in Scotland.

TACKLING CHILD POVERTY

Child poverty can undermine health, wellbeing, and educational attainment. ASPIRE Dundee is an ambitious project working with around 3,500 children in thirteen primary school communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Dundee. ASPIRE Dundee is using a range of cultural activities – including dance, drama, and music – as an innovative way of tackling deprivation.

THE WHOLE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ARE ENGAGED

The programme aims to improve health and wellbeing, increase learning and skills, challenge social inequalities, and build self-confidence and self-esteem. It engages the whole family and the wider community. Young people involved experience first-hand opportunities to work and perform alongside professional artists and musicians and to attend professional performances. They are taught using a flexible and individual approach, applied both in school and in the wider community.

PERFORMING ARTS UNLEASH CHILDREN'S POTENTIAL

The programme uses the transformative power of performing arts to develop the pupils’ personalities and increase their potential, while challenging inequalities and the effects of poverty.

Project owner
Stewart Hunter
Dundee City Council’s children and families services convener