Unique Creative Arts Network for visually impaired young people

Record of achievement

Since UCAN began the organisation has

Delivered over 550 individual workshops
Created 65 live public performances in professional theatres
Performed to over 11,000 people
Expanded the membership of visually impaired young people to 250
Recruited a volunteer ‘Buddy Bank’ of 82
Won the title of the UK Children’s Champions 2006
Trained 123 arts professionals
Developed working partnerships with 42 organisations
September 2006 - UCAN Productions beat 460 other projects throughout the UK to win the publicly voted UK National Lottery ‘Children’s Champions Award 2006’

Forthcoming events and New Projects for 2010

Reach the Heights Project

February 2010 – ongoing

UCAN Productions is delivering a series of drama and confidence building workshops in Neath Port Talbot , Rhondda Cynon Taff, and Pembroke. The project is for young people between the ages of 11 and 19 and all projects will culminate in a live performance. For further information on these projects please email: jane@ucanproductions.org
The UCAN team is currently working with visually impaired young people in Swansea. This project is the last in the series of DEW projects (Developing Emotional Wellbeing through the Arts). The workshops will culminate in a live performance on 26 March 26 at The Depot, Swansea Grand. This successfully completes this three year partnership project with RNIB Cymru which has been funded by the Big Lottery. This highly popular project has delivered 30 projects across Wales engaging 190 visually impaired young people.
UCAN runs regular Drama Workshops at our new Cardiff home, The School of Optometry and Vision Science, Maindy Road in Cardiff.

UCAN TALK (Social networking site )

We will soon be announcing the launch date for the first ever social networking site for visually impaired young people. The site UCAN TALK is funded by the Cardiff Council Innovation Fund and sponsored and developed by specialist company, Cardiff based Core Web Design. Managing Director Ceri Richmond said "We are really looking forward to working on this innovative and unique project, which is a first in Wales". UCAN member Megan John head of the UCAN TALK Steering Committee said ‘We are very excited about the site it’s going to be great to keep in touch with friends and make lots of new ones.

Drama Workshops

UCAN has secured funding from the Arts Council of Wales Reaching the Height, First Foot Hold programme, a Welsh Assembly and European Social fund initiative to deliver workshops and performances in Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Pembroke, Neath Port Talbot, and Rhondda Cynon Taff.

UCAN/RNIB Project (DEW Developing Emotional Wellbeing through the Arts)

We have recently had confirmation that we can run four further projects. UCAN is planning to deliver workshops in Carmarthenshire, Vale of Glamorgan, Gwynedd and Cardiff. Dates for all projects will posted on the website soon.

In you would like any more information on these projects please contact Jane Latham on jane@ucanproductions.org or call 07812 051815.

February 2010

24 February 2010 - The lovely manager of the Cardiff International Arena offered UCAN members the opportunity to attend the X Factor Concerts. ‘It was fantastic, we were treated like real VIP’s we even had our own private box’. A massive thanks to the CIA from all who attended.
Half Term Project at St Donats

The weather almost beat us this time but we battled though the snow in our trusty mini bus to deliver a half term project at the wonderful St Donats Arts Centre. The project was attended by young people from all over the south east of Wales and the students of Atlantic College. A great time was had by all!

January 2010

Despite the snow Junior Chairman Lloyd Coleman, professional story teller, Giles Abbott and UCAN Artistic Director, Bernie Latham got together to work shop ideas for the forthcoming projects for Disability Arts Cymru and the Legacy Trust.
25-29 January 2010 - The UCAN team had a wonderful week with the young people of Gwynedd and Anglesey and created a show for family and friends at the Barcud Derwen Studios. This event was part of DEW a partnership with RNIB Cymru and funded by the Big Lottery.

November 2009

Long time member of UCAN Productions Steering Committee Mared sang for the Trustees of RNIB UK at Cardiff Castle. Everyone was very complimentary saying they very much enjoyed her performance.

October 2009

DEW project in Cardiff. The UCAN Team worked with young people from Cardiff to create a showback performance at Llanedeyrn High School.
Hilton Foundation Ball
For the third year UCAN members, Eleanor, Joseph and Mared have performed at the Hilton Foundation Ball. The performance was a fantastic success. Below is the article from the South Wales Echo.

Stars Out for Glitzy Ball

THOUSANDS of pounds were raised to help children at a charity ball to celebrate a top hotel’s 10th anniversary.
Around £25,000 was raised to mark the Cardiff Hilton hotel’s milestone, which will now be shared between the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital and the Hilton Foundation.
Annually hosted at the hotel, this year’s ball’s compère was Comedian and Presenter Chris Corcoran and also saw athletics stars Jamie Baulch, Dai Green, Tasha Denvars and Welsh Rugby International Ian Gough among the guests.
Marie Fagan, Hilton General Manager, said: “The team at the hotel pulled out all the stops to ensure that this year’s party was one to remember. Some people are already asking about next year.
“One thing that makes this charity ball stand out from the others is the outstanding entertainment that is put on for guests.”
Before dinner, three youngsters from UCAN Productions entertained guests with a performance, while dinner was followed by the John Oliver Band.
Marie said: “Playing a leading role in supporting the community has always been important to us, especially as we are at the very centre of the city.
“We’re thrilled that in the last six years we have raised more than £175,000 for charities across South Wales.
“It’s wonderful to have young people who have been directly helped by the charities we support performing at the event.”
Welsh athlete Jamie Baulch said: “The Hilton ball was such a good night. Despite the recession it was so good to see people raising money for good local charities.
“The Hilton never fails to put on a good event, the food was fantastic and the entertainment provided by UCAN was amazing.
“The children that performed were so professional and impressed all the guests.”

Watch on youtube

August 2009

St Donats Summer School, Atlantic College August 17, 18 and 19.
During the Summer School UCAN members created a lunch time public performance at the St Donats Arts Centre
We were also fortunate to work with Giles Abbot, a professional storyteller. Giles was fantastic with UCAN members and a real inspiration. We are all hoping that he will be back with UCAN very soon.
Volunteer Jess with her friend Megan.

July 2009

UCAN PERFORM Festival

Visually impaired kids steal Millennium show

UCAN Productions staged the first ever performance festival by visually impaired young people on July 15th and 16th in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. The free event featured drama, body percussion, storytelling, singing, dance and movement performed by more than 100 young people who are either blind or partially sighted.

UCAN members aged from 7 to 25 came from all over Wales. For months they had been looking forward to this chance to show what they can do. “UCAN is fantastic. It gives us the chance to do drama, sing and dance. I love it and wish we could do UCAN stuff every day,” said 15 year old Mared from Ysgol Plasmawr. “To encourage younger members to join UCAN we invited Northwick the teddy bear to the festival. Cardiff based John Sanders has been writing stories about visually impaired Northwick and his friend Frank for ages, but this is the first time anyone has actually met him”.

The two day UCAN PERFORM festival celebrated the culmination of a three year DEW (Developing Emotional Wellbeing through the Arts) partnership between RNIB Cymru and UCAN Productions funded by the BIG Lottery.

RNIB Cymru’s head of education Nicola Crews said: “We’re so pleased to be working in partnership with UCAN. It opens up whole new worlds for visually impaired young people and gives them opportunities to develop new skills and make lasting friendships. We hope that more visually impaired young children will be inspired to join UCAN as a result of this festival.”

Jane Latham, UCAN co-founder, development officer and the festival organiser, said: “We had 102 visually impaired young people attend the festival. We were delighted with the event, everyone had a fantastic time and lots of new friends were made. The kids worked really hard during the festival and I know people were really impressed by their work. UCAN is all about developing their physical and vocal confidence and challenging perceptions about what visually impaired young people can do. But it’s also about having bundles of fun and making new friends, which is always the most important thing!”

June 2009

By invitation from Maggie Woodhouse, Senior Lecturer of School of Optometry and Vision Sciences. UCAN members performed at the University on 22 June. The performance was attended by conference delegates, international researchers and professionals in from visual impairment sector.

April 2009

24 April 2009: In April the UCAN team spent a week in Pembrokeshire with visually impaired young people from all over the country. Rehearsals were held at Milford Haven Comprehensive. On 24 April the young people performed in The Torch Theatre Milford Haven. Everyone had a great time.

March 2009

5 March 2009: After five weeks of rehearsals young people from the Neath Port Talbot area performed at the Princess Royal Theatre. The performance was attended by family, friends and school mates.
19 March 2009: Back by popular demand: The UCAN performers, supported by ‘buddies’ from College Morgannwg, devised and performed a show at Pontypridd Muni Arts Centre. 'With UCAN visually impaired young people all have loads to do and lots to think about!'

February 2009

6 February 2009: The UCAN team spent the first week of February in Caernarfon in North Wales. Despite the snow, the project was very well attended by young people from the Gwynedd and Anglesey area. As there is no local theatre in the area the team worked at the Barcud Derwen Film and Television studios and put on a show for everyone.Even the Welsh news got to hear about the UCAN show in Caernarfon and sent a film crew to interview the UCAN Members for the Wedi Saith.
11-12 February 2009: The UCAN Team visited Craig Goch Primary school and Milford Haven Comprehensive, Pembrokeshire. The ‘Fun and Skills’ sessions were delivered to over 30 young people with visual impairment and associated disabilities.Buddy Jade and good friend UCAN deputy Chair of Steering Committee Megan.Everyone at St Donats gets into the movement class.New UCAN member Dan interviews Atlantic College 'buddies' and asks them what is it like to be involved in UCAN.Bethan and friends give their best performance!Megan offers a helping hand to a new member.

January 2009

22 January 2009: 18 members of UCAN, supported by volunteers, performed at the Coliseum in Aberdare. The performance was attended by family, friends and professionals and was very well received.

December 2008

15-16 December 2008: UCAN ran drama workshops at Brynhafren School in Barry. At the end of each day the students put on a ‘showback’ performance for their friends.

November 2008

1 November 2008: A half term project which led to a public performance at the Newport Riverfront Theatre.
12 November 2008: A Wonderful opportunity for long time UCAN Performer and Steering Committee member Mared Jarman.Mared was chosen by Cardiff Council Special Events team to sing solo at the switching of the Christmas Lights in Cardiff on 12 November. Over 10,000 people attended this event. Afterwards there were opportunities to meet with other performers and celebrities.
16 November 2008: A series of workshops which ended in a performance at Congress Theatre Cwmbran.
15 November 2008: Members of the Gwent UCAN Performers Group performed to an appreciative audience at the Congress Theatre Cwmbran.

October 2008

October 2008: In October the UCAN Team created a week long project with visually impaired young people from the Pembroke and surrounding areas came together to create a show which was performed at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven. Members of the Pembroke UCAN Team.
10 October 2008: Members of UCAN Productions were invited to perform at The Hilton Foundation Ball at the Hilton Hotel on in Cardiff.
23 October 2008: A project with visually impaired young people from the Swansea and surrounding area which culminated in a live performance at the Swansea Grand Theatre.

September 2008

22-26 September 2008: 20 visually impaired young people and their friends performed at Venue 2 at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff. Young people from Ysgol Gyfun Plasmawr, Llanedeyrn High School and Michelston Community College took part. This project was part of the UCAN Productions and RNIB Cymru partnership project DEW. New volunteers Faye and Bethan act out a scene with UCAN members. The Sherman UCAN cast took a well earned rest at the end of the performance.

August 2008

3 & 9 August: It had long been an ambition of UCAN to perform at The National Eisteddfod so when the Care Council of Wales offered UCAN Productions the opportunity to be part of the activities everyone at UCAN was delighted. The Cardiff team created a performance called Making A Difference which was performed twice. Everyone had a great time - even in the rain!!
10-14 August: UCAN ran a Summer School at St Donats Arts Centre, Vale of Glamorgan. Members of UCAN had a wonderful time especially as the group was joined by international students from Atlantic College, as well as sharing cultures and learning new skills, the UCAN members made friends from America, Slovakia, Hungry, Norway, Kenya and Nigeria.

We even managed to get on to the telly!! A film crew from the programme Wedi Saith came and interviewed and filmed the UCAN team.

July 2008

11 July: The UCAN team met new members and created a show in Theatre Clwyd in Mold. After a week long rehearsal at the Buckley Resource Centre, Flint, 21 young visually impaired young people and their friends created and performed a show at Theatre Clwyd in Mold. The show was so popular that a second performance had to be organised at the last minute so everyone could get a ticket! The performances were part of the DEW project.
14 July: The UCAN team spent the day at Corpus Christi School Cardiff having fun with the visually impaired students and their friends.

June 2008

11 June: As part of the Big Lottery funded RNIB Cymru partnership project DEW, the UCAN team visited North Wales for 10 days and devised a performance with local visually impaired young people. The project finished with a live performance at Theatre Gwynedd in Bangor. A great time was had by all and the UCAN team were invited back to do another project in early 2009. If you, or anyone you know, would like to attend this project please get in touch via the website.
24 June: UCAN members performed at the National Assembly Senedd as part of the Arts and Business season Arts @ the Senedd. The performance, led by our Junior Chairman Lloyd Colman, was very well received. Jo Jo and the rest of the team got a standing ovation for their performance of ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’. The UCAN Members met some of the Assembly Ministers and then had a slap up buffet!! Thanks to Arts and Business and Barclays Bank.

May 2008

8 May: DEW performance in the Pontypridd Muni Arts Centre. 20 visually impaired young people ranging in age from 8 to 22 years old.

April 2008

11 April: UCAN Productions first to perform in the Torch Theatre’s brand new Studio Theatre. 16 visually impaired young people from six schools across the Pembroke area.
Care Council of Wales commissions UCAN Production to devise a performances for the National Eisteddfod.

March 2008

1 March: UCAN Productions held AGM supported by the Park Plaza Hotel and King Sturge.
4 March: Beat Box and Body Percussion workshops at the Gwent Visual Impairment Service.
UCAN Network workshops in Cardiff and Neath Port Talbot.
16 March: As part of the Wales Millennium Centre Urban Festival ‘Breakin in the Bay’, UCAN members created a CD - ‘Radio UCAN’. The project was funded by Red Dragon Radio’s charity ‘Help A South Wales Child’ and Legal and General.

February 2008

UCAN Network workshops Cardiff and Neath Port Talbot.
Two day workshops at SNAC Port Talbot. Special Needs Activity Centre.
Activity Day Gwent Visual Impairment Service.
Red Dragon Radio invite UCAN members to the studios to meet the DJ’s and learn about how to make a radio programme.
Drama workshops at Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School Visual Impairment unit.

January 2008

19 January DEW performance at the Coliseum Theatre Cwmbran.