Nu Century Arts

Nu Century Arts (NCA) came into existence in the year 2001, hence the name. It came about in response to the lack of opportunities for artists from marginalised communities within the West Midlands region. Based in the Handsworth area of Birmingham UK, its mission statement is to ‘make a lasting difference’ to the expectations and opportunities of African-Caribbean artists both at home and abroad.
The organisation successfully umbrellas three distinct forms.
• Theatre: Including a growing and energetic young people's group.
• The Live Box: A weekly live music event across city venues in Birmingham.
• Education Through Arts: progressive educational programmes targeted at those disaffected young people that reaches across cultural boundaries in schools, youth and community centres. NCA is a company limited by guarantee (not for private profit); who are managed by a board of seven directors and three full time members of staff, supported by freelance -workers and dedicated volunteers.

During our short life we have produced:
• 350 live performances
• 5 national theatre tours
• 3 international tours
• 3 international Youth Exchanges

WHY OUR WORK IS NEEDED - Regular reports in the media makes us aware of the current issues of crime/ underachievement and unemployment surrounding the younger generation and by engaging the younger people in a creative and practical way we aim to provide opportunities for them to gain skills, knowledge and to be more productive in the communities where they live.

In response In 2010/11 we extended our youth work programme across the West Midlands including: three, 30 minute radio dramas with New Style Radio called ‘Flying under the radar’ and also the development of a play called Not Quite Gospel with Dreemz Community Choir, which was written by Don Kinch and broadcast on BBC RADIO 4