April activities & Updates 🟨⬛
/Hi everyone,
We hope you all had a great March. This month we have some exciting workshops planned over the holidays, along with our usual creative sessions that continue to be full of talent and enthusiasm.
We are also thrilled to share some fantastic news… UCAN has won an award! Read on to find out more about this special achievement and to celebrate with us.
A huge thank you to our funders, volunteers, and staff. Your support makes everything we do possible, and we cannot wait to welcome you to another month of creativity, fun, and new opportunities.
See you soon!
The UCAN Productions Team
NEWS & UPDATES
Sam's Monthly Round-Up
Hiiiiiiiii everyone!
Happy Spring! The sun’s out, baby lambs are here, Easter’s coming, and at UCAN we’ve been super busy (as per usual!)
Our choir delivered an AMAZING performance at the International Women’s Day concert at Cardiff University’s School of Music earlier this month, especially considering we didn’t have that much rehearsal time! We were honoured to be accompanied by the incredible pianist Rachel Starrit, and the audience lapped it all up, even clapping along as we sang. We’ve got BIG plans for the choir in the future, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store!
The other big news is that UCAN won BIG at the first Get The Chance Cultural Impact Awards at Porter’s Bar last Saturday. We were delighted to win the Disabled Creativity Award in recognition of Alex, Gwennan and Flo’s recent Arts Award project. Huge congrats!
Yours Truly was also asked to present an award on the night; the best fun (felt like I was at the Oscars!) It was also so inspiring to be among such incredible creatives doing amazing things (I can only hope to be like them one day) and they were lovely to speak to too!
Speaking of, I had the immense pleasure of interviewing Aled Phillips, founder and director of Johns Boys Male Chorus (BGT fans may remember they reached the semifinals back in 2023) for Get The Chance back in February, and I’ve just published it on my own blog too. Read it here This was my first ever interview on the blog, and I hope to do more in future!
That’s it from me for now - hope you have a great April!
EASTER WORKSHOPS WITH ALEX WHARTON
We are excited to welcome back our great friend Alex Wharton, Children's Laureate of Wales, award-winning writer, poet, performer, and songwriter. This Easter holidays, Alex will be working with us again as we continue creating our very first Audiobook of Poetry.
Join us for two free workshops filled with fun, creativity, and new skills.
When?
10:30 AM to 2:30 PM each day
Wednesday 23 April and Thursday 24 April
Where?
Sightlife Building, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff CF10 1BR
Who can join?
Blind or partially sighted children, young people, and their friends.
How to book your place?
Email info@ucanproductions.org
Or text or call 07812 051815
Spaces are limited so book soon!
Congratulations Alex, Flo and Gwennan
UCAN is incredibly proud to have won the first-ever Get the Chance Cultural Impact Disabled Creativity award!
A huge congratulations to Alex, Gwennan, and Flo for their fantastic work on their Arts Award project. We are delighted to see their creativity and dedication recognised in this way.
A big thank you to Get the Chance for celebrating the impact of disabled artists and for creating a platform that champions inclusive creativity.
Congratulations also to all the other winners, we are honoured to be recognised alongside such incredible individuals and organisations!
GET INVOLVED
Join UCAN Productions for Face to Face Workshops and online sessions. Unleash your creativity with experienced workshop leaders and make new friends along the way.
UCAN Friday Nights
Join us for creative sound and music sessions, drama, and games on three Friday evenings every month! If you're aged 7-25, there are exciting opportunities to work towards an Arts Award with our fantastic team
This weekly session isn't just about honing your artistic skills—it's also a perfect chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones, all while having fun!
For more information on attending, please reach out to info@ucanproductions.org. You can also stay updated by checking our social media channels for the latest updates and exciting news. Come join the fun!
When: Friday 4th, and 11th of April 5:00PM-7:00PM
Where: School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University, Maindy Rd, Cardiff CF24 4HQ
Who: All UCAN participants welcome
Maggie’s Club
In honour of our beloved UCAN Board Member, Dr. Margaret "Maggie" Woodhouse OBE, we're inviting you to a super fun, once-a-month event! Dive into drama games, sound workshops, arts and crafts and circus skills. Perfect for young people with vision impairments and additional needs, this is a safe and welcoming space where everyone can express themselves and have fun. Come join the Maggies Club family!
When: Saturday 26th of April 2:00PM-3:30PM
Where: School of Optometry and Vision Science, Cardiff University, Maindy Rd, Cardiff CF24 4HQ
Who: Children and young people who are vision impaired with additional needs
SASI
Come and join the team this July at the wonderful Sight Life Centre in Cardiff, Sessions aim to develop confidence, vocal and self-advocacy skills whilst making friends and having fun.
When: Wednesday 2nd and 9th of April 11:30AM-2:15PM
Where: Sight Life Centre, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BR
Who: 18+ years old
ZOOM WORKSHOPS
UCAN Online
Have fun and learn new skills through drama. A popular group with lots of drama games, creative and storytelling activities. These workshops are all about making new friends and having tons of fun through activities including storytelling and improvisation.These workshops are particularly beneficial for those who cannot attend face to face workshops or are keen to learn more about UCAN.
Please contact info@ucanproductions.org for more information
When: Tuesday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th of April 5:00pm-6:30pm
Who: ages 13-18
HOW TO JOIN
If you’ve previously filled out the registration form you won’t need to do it again.
If you are a parent who would like your child to join some free and fun workshops, please complete our online registration form by clicking HERE
If you are 18 years and older please complete the form by clicking HERE
Alternatively email info@ucanproductions.org