The Arts Council of Wales has published a new toolkit which aims to help venues, artists and communities develop a deeper understanding of their locality and realise the potential of creativity in helping local communities to flourish.
This toolkit was commissioned by the Arts Council of Wales and developed by Lisa Baxter, The Experience Business. Around 40 individuals and 3 venues took part in a pilot project as part of the development of the tookit. Amongst those who took part were representatives from local authorities, Councillors and the communities themselves (for example local businesses, groups and young people), together with board members, artists and workers in the cultural sector. The 3 venues were: Theatr Felinfach in Carmarthenshire; Rhondda Cynon Tâf Theatres and the Ucheldre Centre in Holyhead, Môn.
Commenting today, Arts Council of Wales Portfolio Manager, Amanda Loosemore, said:
“The Arts Council of Wales has long believed in the ability of the arts to empower people, enrich lives, celebrate diversity and promote community cohesion as outlined in our 5 year Corporate Plan, For the Benefit of All.
“We recognised that this programme – developed by Lisa Baxter – would work with venues, the arts sector, and their communities to co-develop a fresher, deeper understanding of their local areas and the potential of arts and creativity to support amongst other things, health and wellbeing; a sense of cohesion, growth and development and a celebration of diversity and inclusion. This is even more pertinent as we live through a pandemic which has challenged both the arts sector and wider society like never before.
“The programme was challenging for all who took part, but a resounding success nonetheless, creating many ‘light bulb moments’ with new ideas and ways of looking at the role we can all play in helping our communities to engage and to flourish. We hope that many artists and arts organisations will find this toolkit useful in considering how it could be adapted for your venue, your work and your community, for the benefit of all involved. “
Lisa Baxter, developer of the toolkit also said:
“In a forest no tree is alone. Each one is part of a vibrant ecosystem of mutual benefit, interdependencies and reciprocity. Too many of us behave like a lone tree. It’s time to more fully contribute to the forest.
“Connectivity is key. To achieve this we must root ourselves in place, rewire ourselves into our communities and reprogramme ourselves to serve. In this way, we will become better able to generate public value at a hyper-local level. The resources being launched today by the Arts Council of Wales are intended to give arts organisations and artists across Wales that jump start and I do so hope they ignite something in you.”
The new toolkit can be found on the Arts Council of Wales website - https://arts.wales/resources/designing-public-value-purpose
End Wednesday 10 November 2021