‘I never thought I’d be able to see where I grew up and lived in a different way - it’s been a re-enchantment. People often think because we live here that we’re unambitious and uncreative. This isn’t the case, and Illumine has been a catalyst and a home for my creative voice.’ - YP

Illumine was an 18-month digital arts training project for young ‘Image Makers’ (16-25 yrs), managed and coordinated by Peak on behalf of Powys County Council. It was a paid opportunity for NEET (not in education, employment or training) YP.  Image Makers worked closely with artists and industry professionals to ‘reimagine’ the Brecon Beacons and wider area, creating new and original digital content for display in y Gaer, Brecon’s new £15m cultural hub (joining of library, community spaces and museum services). The final outputs included: a film, soundscape, illustrations, photography, prints, and the group co-hosted their own launch evening. The project was made up of workshops, mini-residencies, trips, studio visits and location shoots responding to the unique qualities of this place. Image Makers collaborated with ambitious artists, makers, writers and thinkers to explore themes including sustainable tourism, folklore, geology, craftivism, public space, fashion, bilingualism and identity.

Collaborators they worked with included: Ewan Jones Morris, Gweni Llwyd, Melissa Appleton, Welsh National Opera, 4Pi productions, BBC Connected Studio, National Museum Cardiff, Clementine Schneidermann, Jackie Chettur and more. This project had a focus on skills development, but also provided an opportunity for young people to meet like-minded peers in a rural area. One-to-one mentoring with Associate Producer and artist Morag Colquhoun allowed young people to identify and develop skills and networks.