Review by Dr Janet Summerton, Convenor of Arts and Cultural Management Studies, University of Sussex and a Researcher, Writer and Consultant. (South West Arts, 2001 ISBN 1 874396 29 9 £5.00 [£7.72 inc. p&p*])
This little book is a fascinating read. It describes the work of Acta Community Theatre, based in Bristol. Beddow puts the work of Acta in a historical and national context and describes its model of developing and delivering projects. There is a strong sense of the ethos and integrity of the work. But he is also interested in the potential power of such work. As he explains, he set out to write the book in order to find a way to prove that ?an individual?s participation in the arts could have a beneficial effect on their participation in wider community life and ... in some circumstances have a profound influence on their future.? He talks about the processes of collecting evidence from the participants; as he says ?the proof is in the people?. The evidence he provides is convincing. He also analyses the success of projects in relation to their own aims. I wish he had had more to say about measures of artistic quality, which he acknowledges, but does not explore in any depth. But then my current preoccupation is with holistic evaluation models. I?m still very glad to have read the book and it will be a useful addition to my bookshelf.
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SAM?s Books is currently looking for reviewers for a forthcoming list of titles. If you would like to contribute, contact SAM?s e: books@sam-arts.demon.co.uk.Titles coming up in the next few issues include:
? Making Sense of Place - new approaches to place marketing
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? Guide to the Major Trusts Volume 3, new edition
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