This resource was commissioned by the Arts Council of Wales and developed by Lisa Baxter, The Experience Business. It was published in November 2021.
Around 40 individuals and 3 venues took part in a pilot project for this programme. 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 cultural workers. The 3 venues were: Theatr Felinfach in Carmarthenshire; Rhondda Cynon Tâf Theatres and the Ucheldre Centre in Holyhead, Gwynedd.
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. Something which of course 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 you look at this learning resource and find it useful in considering how you could adapt it for your venue, your work and your community, for the benefit of all involved.
BSL resources are available here.
Lisa Baxter, The Experience Business: Webinar
(Viewing time: 34 mins 33)
Q&A with the 3 venues
(Viewing time 5 mins 34)
Case Study: Caroline O'Neill, Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC
(Viewing time: 10 mins 19)
