MD Creatives celebrated at #BlankCanvas media event - with free summer activities programme launched in St Helens

At MD’s first public opening since operating in the Citadel three years ago, the Thursday morning event involved a round-up of MD’s work in the community and their plans for the future, as well as live performances and speeches from guest speakers.

Their summer events programme was explained as a collaboration with the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme, with a range of activities, educational classes and free meals on offer for those aged between 5 and 18 throughout the school holidays.

The programme is driven by MD’s #BlankCanvas initiative, with the free activities - taking place from 2-26 August - including classes in singing, acting, cookery, DJing, dancing, art, music and much more.

As one of the first events to take place in St Helens since the loosening of coronavirus restrictions, the impressive dance and music performances from MD Creatives created a special – and at times emotional - atmosphere inside the theatre.

This feeling continued throughout the event, as some of the young people involved with MD spoke of their inspirational personal experiences; explaining how MD has gifted them both a community and a creative outlet to express themselves.

Oliver Jude, a young entrepreneur who has launched his own clothing line emblazoned with positive messages, said that meeting and being supported by Miguel Doforo - creative director and founder of MD - was “the best thing that happened to me”.

Similarly, Jess Smith, a dancer and singer, said that MD and their Blank Canvas initiative allowed her to “start again” and gave her “a family community that I never had”.

In addition to the activities and classes available to young people, MD’s remit encompasses MD Creative Academy, offering educational programmes and experience within the creative industries, and MD Commercial - which aims to bring high profile acts to the theatre.

To provide as much wrap-around support as possible for young people, the team have also developed a mental health and wellbeing arm of the business, named ‘I Care’.

Designed to assist with mental health problems in young people and adolescents, as well as relieving pressures from the social care system, I Care has professional counsellors and social workers available 24 hours a day to offer support and assistance to struggling young people.

With the inevitability that “at some part in our life we are all going to face crisis and trauma”, Miguel explains that MD operates as a community support system that can help with personal issues, while offering a creative space to allow people to improve themselves.

He stated: “I’m extremely passionate about giving young people the chance to flourish, but most importantly, giving them a platform to express themselves and a space that they can feel safe and secure to be whoever they want to be.

“[Our work] also addresses a real need in our community for free and all-inclusive performing arts provision and this is what our #BlankCanvas initiative is all about.

Miguel’s commitment to the community in St Helens was heavily praised by guest speakers at Thursday’s media event, ranging from local community sponsors to the Mayor of St Helens.

Chris O’Dea, owner of OD’s designer clothing store, said that the work Miguel has been doing in the community is “fantastic”.

Mr O’Dea said he can get emotional speaking about St Helens because although the town often gets bad press, the people here are “amazing” - and his contribution towards MD and the wider community “outweighs any financial gain [he] can think of”.

Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Sue Murphy, similarly praised the work of Miguel and the team at MD as “nothing short of remarkable”.

Mayor Murphy expressed her joy in seeing the young people involved with MD continually grow in confidence and enthusiasm - yet emphasised that after the difficulties posed by the pandemic, children now need more support than ever.

She added: “St Helens Council will support our young people, our businesses, and Miguel. Our young people are our future, our hope, and if we work together, we can achieve anything.”

Throughout MD’s summer events programme, young people of all abilities and backgrounds are encouraged to come down to the Citadel and take part in the exciting and unique opportunities on offer.

Those who excel will also have the chance to perform at the Citadel and the St Helens Theatre Royal later in the year.

Miguel added: “Our summer programme will give children and young adults the chance to try their hand at a range of creative skills, and who knows, they may just find their calling in life.”