Cohesion Plus has a proud history of delivering free arts based projects to local communities in Kent. The Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Gurdip Bungar visited the Community Dhol Beats Project on Friday 14th June and watched special performances put on by the young people who have benefited from this project to date as well as awarding certificates for participation to date. The free sessions are led by renowned Punjabi Dhol maestro Bill Singh and Four by Four Bhangra Youth Club and take place at the Guru Nanak Art Studio and are supported by Youth Music.

In addition to Dhol classes the young people have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised Arts Award qualifications. Over the past year, working with local schools Cohesion Plus have enabled around 300 young people to gain an Arts Award qualification in Gravesham. Following this success, the project has now expanded into Dartford and work will be taking place in schools over the coming months.

Gurvinder Sandher Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus commented “We are delighted to have the support of Youth Music with the Community Dhol Beats Project. I believe it is important that there is provision locally for free culturally diverse music sessions for young people. Over the coming weeks and months we will be going out to local schools in Gravesham and Dartford to provide taster sessions and also give opportunities for young people to gain Arts Award qualifications. I believe strongly that the arts can open many doors for young people, providing diversionary activities and also helping to promote positive community relations.”