The 'BLC-Hackney 2012' programme is run by Rolemop, a contemporary live arts and audio visual production company based at a community space in the heart of Hackney's Regents Estate, Workshop44.  Hackney Council is directing unemployed residents to the workshop through its Ways into Work programme in order to develop skills specifically for tackling job interviews and improve their chances of gaining future employment.

Facilitated by experienced practitioners, techniques in drama, video and sound have been harnessed to stimulate and engage participants in improving presentation, confidence and interview techniques.  Alan, a workshop participant said: "I was low on self-confidence, I'm not a very talkative person and usually just give yes or no answers but this programme has really helped me to come out and give clearer responses and let the interviewer know more about myself."

Workshop44 is one of a series of projects supported by Hackney Council's Art in Empty Spaces (AIES) initiative, designed to transform empty properties or spaces into something useful and meaningful for Hackney’s residents and visitors.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: "The Art in Empty Spaces initiative is continuing to achieve its aim of generating sustainable, creative businesses, which engage and benefit the local community.  The initiative has shown how it connects creativity and innovation with the wider community, contributing to the positive reputations of our town centres.”

The workshops are planned most Fridays until the autumn.  To find out more go to http://www.rolemop.org.uk/broken_loops_community2012.htm or to book in for a free place email info@rolemop.org.uk 

For more information about Art in Empty Spaces, visit: http://www.hackney.gov.uk/art-in-empty-spaces.htm