Wheatley Foundation, the group’s charitable trust, is looking for artists to run activities ranging from graffiti art to music, dance and drama across central and south Scotland.

A past winner of the UK Foundation of the Year award, Wheatley has secured £50,000 from Creative Scotland’s Youth Arts Fund Small Grants to fund the scheme.

Lynne Mithcell, foundation manager, said: “As well as boosting young people’s skills and confidence, this fantastic initiative will provide much-needed creative opportunities for artists affected by the pandemic.

“We want artists to contact us with innovative and novel ideas of how they would involve and engage young people in our communities. There’s so much talent, enthusiasm and interest out there and we want to harness and develop it – and, at the same time, create work for artists too.”

She added: “Obviously, Covid restrictions will shape the nature of the projects and activities we’re able currently to support and that will include making the best of online ideas and initiatives.”

Kelsey Jubin, creative learning officer at Creative Scotland, commented: “We’re really pleased to be able to support Wheatley Foundation in providing creative opportunities for children and young people in central Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway.

“This project will not only provide opportunities for aspiring young artists in the area, but also create the space to nurture health and wellbeing during this challenging time.”

An online information session for artists and creatives is being held on February 16 at 5pm.

To take part, or for more information, visit the website. The closing date for applications for the £5000 grants is 5pm on Friday, 5 March 2021.

Wheatley Foundation invests over £5 million annually in supporting over 12,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Wheatley’s communities.

Its activities span five areas of operation: tackling poverty, employability, education, digital inclusion and sport and the arts.