Choirs just as worthy of funding as football, report argues

Photo of choir
14 Jul 2017

Across the UK, 40,000 choirs are boosting the health and wellbeing of singers, but with funding they could do much more, according to new research.

Arts funding should focus on ‘everyday creativity’, researchers claim

Man spraying aerosols in park
23 Jun 2017

A new academic report says that shifting cultural policy to enable people to be creative and make their own culture would be a fairer use of public funds and lead to greater equality.

Creating cultural democracy

Photo of break dancer performing on street
22 Jun 2017

Only 8% of people regularly engage with publicly funded art, but every day people are creating their own versions of culture. Nick Wilson and Jonathan Gross report on research that makes the case for a new approach to cultural policy.

Getting to know the neighbours

Photo of pink heart pegged on a line
21 Jun 2017

As producer-in-residence of a whole town, Bridget Floyer explains how she treats the residents as neighbours rather than audiences or participants.

Programming in partnership

Photo of mac Birmingham
14 Jun 2017

mac Birmingham’s outreach programmes are creating meaningful dialogue between the arts centre and local communities, artists and cultural organisations. Daniel Fountain spoke to those involved to find out how.

Open for all

Photo of three people holding chickens
25 May 2017

How do fringe festivals ensure quality when anyone can choose to stage an event? Cath Mattos reveals her approach at the Wandsworth Arts Fringe.

Arts outreach projects should focus on ‘fun’, report says

Photo of person doing chalk drawing
19 Apr 2017

Work with local communities is challenging and most likely to succeed in collaboration with organisations that already target those communities, according to a new report. 

Sharing the stage

Photo of young musicaians
23 Feb 2017

Realising they shared values and aims, Sage Gateshead and Newcastle United Foundation decided to team up. Wendy Smith describes a project that brought music lovers and football fans together. 

The power of the lullaby

Photo of baby in centre stage with musicians
14 Feb 2017

A fascination with lullabies has led Supriya Nagarajan to produce inter-cultural performances and education projects around the world. She tells the story. 

Give us a goal!

Photo of performers on stage with arms raised
09 Feb 2017

Taking inspiration from the local community for a new musical about a nightclub proved so successful for Oldham Coliseum that they’re doing it again. Cathy Crabb and Lindsay Williams tell the story.

The carnival lives on

Photo of man with giant dragon lantern
02 Feb 2017

The first Mossley Light Festival may have transformed the northern town for just one night, but the change in the community will be much more long term. Leon Patel explains how it empowered local people. 

Digital initiative to drive community screenings

Photo of people in a screening
27 Jan 2017

A new digital distribution platform is piloting an initiative that will see filmed performances by leading cultural institutions screened in community venues including arts centres, libraries and pubs.

The arts on your doorstep

Photo of performers and family at a bus stop
05 Jan 2017

Community engagement teams have been visiting every neighbourhood in Hull to make sure no one misses out on this year’s programme of culture. Martin Green explains how they hope to build interest in the arts. 

Job ladder – Michelle Abbey

Photo of Michelle Abbey
05 Jan 2017

Chelsea Theatre’s Community Development Manager Michelle Abbey discusses her career engaging audiences and promoting diversity.  

‘Invaluable’ music service saved by not-for-profit community organisation

Photo of MUSIC:LINK
15 Nov 2016

The intervention by soundLINCS will enable the Lincolnshire-based MUSIC:LINK to continue operating into its 30th year.

Kindred spirits

Image of person dressed up as monster withe three others
10 Nov 2016

Collaborations between university researchers and artists need careful managing. Michael Eades shares his three key tips for mediating successful partnerships. 

The subtle art of community engagement

Photo of people rehearsing a dance in mobility scooters
03 Nov 2016

Working in local authority arts development was where Martin Cox learned to listen, understand and value people as much as he valued artistic outcomes. He shares his views on audience development.

Experiences of excellence

Photo of acrobat in circus tent
13 Oct 2016

What does excellence mean to the communities experiencing the arts through the Creative People and Places programme?  Mark Robinson and Jamie Buttrick report on their research.

Caught on film

Photo of old people smiling
15 Sep 2016

Short films showcasing the work of museums in Cornwall have had a real impact on the local community and attracted the attention of key influencers and decision-makers. Chloe Hughes explains.

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