Catalyst performing arts project is currently based at St Brides Church in Liverpool 8, where it has an office, workshop and performance space. 

The project was initiated and formed by young black people in the Toxteth area of Liverpool in 1984. 

The group was set up because it was clearly recognised that there was an urgent need to provide the opportunity for young people in the area to discover and express their own creativity through drama, writing, dance and other arts activities.

http://www.catalystperformingarts.co.uk/ http://www.myspace.com/catalystperformingarts

The project promotes the personal development of young people by providing opportunities for the exploration of their own creativity and self-expression through the use of the arts.  Young people are encouraged to be involved in shaping the organisation and contributing to the activities undertaken.

Catalyst aims to;

·        Introduce young people to drama, dance and other arts skills in order to discover their own creative potential;

·        Relate their own creativity to their role within the group, local community and a national perspective;

·        Make their own experience, lifestyle and culture the subject matter of arts activity and performance, thus giving young people a voice within contemporary society at a number of levels;

·        Offer a supportive space where young people can experience the benefits of working co-operatively;

·        Offer vocational, educational and training guidance;

·        Build and encourage constructive relationships between adults and other young people.

 Catalyst believes that the arts has been, and still is, dominated by a favoured few, of whom are predominately white, that have too long favoured cultures from far and wide at the expense of minority groups within their immediate society.  Via a targeted approach, Catalyst aims to redress this hitherto historical imbalance of focus for black people and their communities in Liverpool and beyond.  Catalyst further inculcates its work within the arts by developing greater understanding, value and appreciation of the arts and, in doing so, dispel the concept of genius enabling some spectators to become participants to become performers and practitioners.  Catalyst will not work in isolation in striving to bring greater access into the arts for black people and their communities.  In order to achieve the highest possible standards of practise Catalyst shall liaise, negotiate, set targets, work in partnership with and secure the most appropriate practitioners from both within and outside the organisation for the purpose of accessing the reservoir of talent.  In so doing, Catalyst will widen experiences of, for and with black people and their communities