OKEHAMPTON'S community arts project Fusion is set to sever its ties with the community college and stand on its own two feet.
After two years, the project, which has always been associated with Okehampton College, is breaking out of its shell and hopes to attract major funding for a permanent arts and administration premises in the town.
Following a successful year in which links were formed with a nationally renowned gospel choir and a superb set of exam results received for Fusion's drama project, the people behind the initiative are very enthusiastic about its development over the new few years.
Chairman Gina Burdus said: 'Fusion is a community youth arts project and as such needs to move out of Okehampton College and into community venues.
'For the past two years we have been trying to impress upon the community that the project is not run by Okehampton College but predominantly by young people.
'Certainly, there are lots of students who are members and the college is very supportive of Fusion but it must stand on its own two feet for the benefit of the community and the young people who live here.'
She said major funding was being sought to establish a base in the town but until then Fusion, which caters for young people between the ages of 8 and 25, would use the best facilities available for the different activities.
Fairplace Church Hall is the new venue for NRG Dance Seniors with former dance regular Paul Meardon taking up the mantle of tutor. An invitation to participate in workshops at the Weekend Arts College in London is an exciting start for the group.
Junior sessions will remain in the gym of Okehampton College and dance workshops at the local primary schools are planned for the future.
Gospel choir 'Soul Attitude' are scheduling more workshops with the renowned London Community Gospel Choir followed by a supporting slot on their Christmas tour and participation in festivals across the country. The group will also be recording a CD.
Fusion's drama project the, 'All Out Performing Arts Academy', is going from strength to strength after outstanding results in the summer Guildhall series of group exams and tutor Julian Barnacott will be concentrating on developing every aspect of artistic performance.
Making a welcome return to the Fusion fold this year are the exciting rhythms and sounds of West African dance and percussion. After a successful pilot project in 1998 led by Kabudu the workshops recommence under the leadership of Sally Bateman from Tavistock.
If anyone would like to get involved or know more about any of these activities they should contact Alan King on 01837 53800.
New members are always welcome.