A successful funding bid for an innovative summer project for young people was celebrated by representatives of the Torch Theatre and Milford Haven Port Authority recently.

The successful bid was recognised at an event organised by Arts and Business Cymru at the Cardiff International Academy Of Voice.

The £10,000 joint bid strengthens an already successful working partnership between The Torch and the port authority, which announced its five year sponsorship of the Torch’s new Studio Theatre through its community programme in 2008, as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

“A and B Cymru was delighted to invest in such a valuable partnership that not only benefits the youngsters involved, but the wider community of Milford Haven, thanks to the vision and commitment of Milford Haven Port Authority,” said Rachel Jones, director of A and B Cymru.

The new project, entitled Breakout!, is specifically aimed at the young people of Pembrokeshire, and is being organised and led by the highly talented, professionally trained dancers from JooNDance. It begins with contemporary dance workshops with a street dance influence, which will take place throughout Pembroke-shire’s secondary schools and youth groups during the summer term.

Breakout! will continue with two weeks of dance summer schools for 7 to 11 and 12 to 16 year olds, culminating in live performances alongside their professional mentors.

The award event, which featured a performance by Academy of Voice students, directed by internationally renowned singer Dennis O’Neill, CBE, was part of a major function in celebration of Arts and Business Cymru’s first year of strategic partnership with the Welsh Assembly.

Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones AM said: “I am pleased that we can continue to support Arts and Business Cymru, even in this difficult economic climate. The work that they facilitate in bringing together arts, business and the wider community is a positive example of successful partnership working.

“It is good to see the breadth of companies participating in this initiative, from multi-national and national companies to smaller businesses,” he added.

To find out more about how to Breakout! and join in, visit www.torchtheatre. co.uk or call Christine on 01646 694192.