Into the unknown

Photo of a man playing a broom converted into a flute
10 Jan 2019

A touring exhibition in Hong Kong is encouraging young people to change the way they think about sustainability, writes Joego Chan.

Drawing people in

Photo of actress looking down from balcony
03 Jan 2019

Bristol Old Vic, England’s oldest theatre, is now also open as a visitor attraction and heritage destination. Emma Stenning explains why - and how - the venue embarked on this new venture.

Giving talent a fair hearing

Photo of youth orchestra performing
03 Jan 2019

What recruitment practices best support diversity? Damian Iorio explains how the National Youth String Orchestra makes sure it’s ability and not background that counts.

Letting youth lead the way

Photo of a group of children colouring
03 Jan 2019

National Trust venues are engaging with new audiences by empowering young people to run events with local communities, says Hattie Clayton.

Taking baby steps into music

Photo of a baby dancing
13 Dec 2018

A non-verbal approach to music-making for the very youngest children offers a comfortable environment for new parents experiencing anxiety, as well as a joyful time for babies, says Hannah Baker.

The arts on a full tummy

Photo of a mother holding a child
13 Dec 2018

Stratford Circus Arts Centre, based in an area of London with high levels of child poverty, has come to realise that providing low-cost hot meals can help it engage with local families. Tania Wilmer tells the story.

Rushing up to Rochdale

Photo of dancers on stage
06 Dec 2018

Mark Doyle says that a clear sense of purpose has encouraged leading artists to participate in an ambitious programme of contemporary exhibitions in Rochdale.

Three into one

Photo of street art, woman hoisted on seesaw
29 Nov 2018

Three cultural organisations in Wiltshire are now under one collective umbrella, giving them the opportunity to share data and cross-promote performances and offers, says Alice Young.

Trusting young people in care

Young people rehearsing dance routine
29 Nov 2018

Nathan Geering explains how a hip-hop dance production has helped give a voice to young people in the care system.

A vital contribution

School children laughing
29 Nov 2018

Vital Spark is a national initiative aiming to create more inclusive and diverse performances for children and young people. Tara Lopez tells the story.

Proper changing places

Photo of mobiloo outside circus tent
22 Nov 2018

To be completely accessible and inclusive, Circus Starr realised that it had to improve one of the least glamourous aspects of its set-up - its toilets. Sarah Hall tells the story.

Engaging audiences on tour

Actors collecting coins off the floor during a production
22 Nov 2018

While touring three productions around the UK, Unlimited Theatre developed a model for working with venues to engage local audiences. Tessa Gordziejko explains the role of the local engagement practitioner.

New life for Eastbourne’s oldest theatre

Photo of dancers on a stage
15 Nov 2018

Pulling a community venue back from the brink needs vision, commitment and cost-effective solutions for tackling commercial challenges. The Royal Hippodrome Theatre has harnessed all three, writes Claire Boot.

Part of the furniture

Photo of dancers rehearsing in large space
08 Nov 2018

Dance company Motionhouse’s partnership with a furniture manufacturer is as close as it gets – they work side by side. Louise Richards explains how the unusual collaboration developed.

Creating confident communicators

Photo of exterior of Oxford Playhouse
08 Nov 2018

When Oxford Playhouse was asked if it could run acting technique workshops for John Lewis, the answer had to be a yes, says Louise Chantal.

Reading up on dementia

Photo of three people holding books
01 Nov 2018

In Wales, people living with dementia, and their carers, are being offered fiction as well as self-help books to help them manage the condition, explains Debbie Hicks.

A proud partner of health

Photo of woman in dance hold with older man
18 Oct 2018

A popular dance-based falls prevention programme offers effective treatment on the NHS, with a growing network of local groups helping older people maintain the benefits afterwards. Tim Joss tells the story.

Origins and ripples

Photo of women in performance with arms raised
18 Oct 2018

London Bubble’s Creative Elders programme has encouraged residents in sheltered housing units to socialise, be creative – and perform in public, says Helena Rice.

Parlour games

Photo of older person in carriage in parade
11 Oct 2018

When a shabby Victorian hall in Greenwich opened its doors to the public several years ago, no one could have predicted how important it would become to supporting social connections among the over-60s, says Daniel Bernstein.

A musical partnership for dementia care

Photo of musician with large brass instrument and older person
11 Oct 2018

Players in Stratford's Orchestra of the Swan are trained by charity Mindsong to provide music sessions in care homes. Sue Pope explains how the programme supports wellbeing.

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