What better place to learn about using the arts to help older people and those with dementia than in Japan, where a quarter of people are over 65. Nick Ponsillo reports on his recent trip.
A public art programme at Southmead Hospital in Bristol has breathed soul into the hospital building and created a sense of community, says Gillian Taylor.
Fifteen members of the public invited to take part in the rehearsal of a playlet will be actively involved in the direction, choreography and lighting. Emma Smith discusses what she hopes it will achieve.
Artist-led and community-focused projects are key to placemaking, says Susan Jones. Just look at Preston, where the In Certain Places programme has been doing it for 12 years.
London Bubble offers a wide variety of volunteering opportunities, but it’s not just about one-off opportunities, explains Lucy Bradshaw – they’re in it for the long haul.
Regularly volunteering in both front of house and backstage roles has given many students their initial interest in the arts, according to Katherine Edwardes.
Cuts and restructures have damaged relationships between arts organisations and local authorities, with community organisations and artists finding support harder to come by.
How relevant is outreach marketing in a world of digital communications? Hardish Virk believes there is still a place for talking to people on the street.
Russell King describes how, through the Lawyers Volunteering for the Arts scheme, he has helped Peckham Platform establish itself as an independent charity and transformed himself from a visual arts philistine.
What does it take to be a playwright in the community? Alan Spence reflects on the highs and lows of writing plays for community groups over the last 25 years.
Made in Corby, a consortium of community groups and venues, is making radical and brave efforts to engage communities in the arts, says Simon Mutsaars.
Hye-Kyung Lee traces the history of arts marketing though three different phases, each posing new challenges and requiring arts marketers to rethink their aims and remits.
When the cold, hard cash runs out
Guy Nicholson shares his views on the changing role of local government in supporting London’s arts and culture.