The Arts Department at the Share Centre in Lisnaskea has been awarded for its Child's Play programme in Belfast this week.

The Paul Hamblyn Foundation (PHF), under its 'What's The Big Idea' funding scheme, sought to support outstanding arts projects in Northern Ireland between 2006 and 2007, for which Share Arts Child's Play programme was one of 33 projects which fit the bill.

The aim of the PHF fund was to realise ideas which are often considered too risky by other funding bodies. It started in June 2006 and is running until August 2007. It was developed to provide theatre craft to young people ages 7-17 with and without disability.

Majella Flanagan, Share Arts Co-ordinator and fund-raiser for Child's Play explains, "I saw through my work at Share Centre, that there is a real interest in theatre and performance among local young people. From conversations with them and their parents/carers, we devised the project Child's Play to offer a training project locally.

"Such opportunities are few and far between in this rural area. We had hoped for 15 participants but now have a core of 26 young people training as actors, script writers, directors and crew members. The PHF fund allowed us to develop our idea and those of 32 other organisations and trusted us in carrying out the projects."

Child's Play won an Award for Innovation from the Northern Ireland Youth Council in June.

It is holding two performances this summer, 27th July, where it will be joined by the Cavan Youth Drama Group and on 24th August, part of Share's closing Summer Scheme ceremony. All are welcome to attend.

For more information contact Majella on 6772 2122 or arts@sharevillage.org