A new project to encourage youngsters to engage with the arts has seen students look at the marketing strategy for an art gallery.

Students from Lakes College are taking part in a three-month branding and engagement course at Florence Arts Centre.

Art students, with tutor Maggie Hall, made their first visit last week to find out more about the work that goes on.

The visit included a tour of the art gallery, performance space, café and workshop rooms from board member Viv Tregidga and arts centre manager Craig Carruthers.

“It is the first part of a project to encourage the students to engage with the wide variety of arts and events on offer at the centre and to work on a branding and marketing strategy which will inform how the centre showcases its work and promotes its events,” said Craig.

“The group will also be looking at the building itself, which was once the mineworkers’ offices, infirmary and shower block, exploring the possibilities of the space and how it can be used for Florence’s varied output.

“Students will also have the chance to explore the centre’s digital imprint, looking at the website and social media presence, an important part of any organisation’s public profile.”

Pupils also visited the Florence Paintmakers studio where artist Jenni Payne introduced them to the techniques used to make materials from the iron ore at Florence Mine.