Crossing Divides is a Gold Coast based not-for-profit organisation that runs a variety of arts and music programs for young people who live with a disability.

All programs are facilitated by professional arts workers and supported by facilitators who have been trained in working with people experiencing disabilities. With a strong focus on mentoring, Crossing Divides will link participants with mentors in their field of interest where possible.

Crossing Divides looks to cater for all interested members through a wide range of arts programs throughout the year. These include fine arts, music, theatre, new media and dance.

The 2011 season will consist of 3 programs: song writing and recording, Aerial Angels and Afro Groove.

Song writing and recording is a 17-week program aimed at helping participants to write and record their own personal song with the help of established musicians and producers as well as support workers from Crossing Divides. This program is directed at high functioning participants who have a strong interest in music. The program will run 2 days a week (one 3 hour session and one 3 1/2 hour session), commencing 17 January. The cost is $10 per session and will be held out of Expressive Grounds, a community space at the end of Tallebudgera Drive in Palm Beach.

With over 20 years of experience and an incredible knowledge of the entertainment industry, Aerial Angels will create and produce shows that are not quick to leave ones memory. A 10-week aerial, trapeze and circus arts program presented by Aerial Angels and support workers from Crossing Divides, this program is specifically tailored for young people with a variety of capabilities. Sessions will be held weekly between 2-3.30pm. The cost is $20 for a 1-hour session with the program behing held at the Aerial Angels Studio, 28 Hutchinson St, Burleigh Heads. For more information about the Aerial Angels themselves, head to their website www.aerialangels.com.au.

Afro Groove is a 10-week program filled with African drumming and dance presented by Afro Groove and Crossing Divides support workers. This program is catered for young people of all ability levels and carers are more than welcome to accompany participants. Sessions will be 1-hour long. The cost is $15 for the hour and the program will be held at Expressive Grounds, a community space at the end of Tallebudgera Drive in Palm Beach. For more information about Afro Groove, head to their website www.afrogroove.com.au.

Places are limited for all 3 programs, so first in will be best dressed! You can download the expression of interest form at crossingdividesinc.com. Once you have completed the form, return it via email before 11 December 2010.

Crossing Divides is a truly inspirational organisation, lighting up the lives of those who are otherwise restricted in many ways.