Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People

Benedict Eccles explained Sixth Sense aims to produce high quality contemporary theatre that helps young people fulfil their potential. He went on, “The artist comes first for us. We want to develop a closer relationship with artists and young people. We’re looking at supporting emerging artists, to develop undergraduate programmes” and to ensure the highest possible quality. If they get the quality, “everything else will follow.” Currently 91% of schools in Swindon use Sixth Sense.

Swindon Dance National Dance Agency

Director Marie McCluskey explained that Swindon Dance was one of ten national dance agencies in the country. After years of direct management by the council, two years ago they became a trust. They want to make dance accessible to as many people as possible, from two year olds to 70 year olds. She mentioned just a couple of former students who have gone on to great things and explained the importance of investing in the future. “If you want to grow the arts you have to plant people.”

Reach Inclusive Arts

Yvonne Chamberlain gave a brief history of REACH Inclusive Arts, who develop and deliver exciting and innovative arts projects with disabled people, to give everybody a voice and a choice. Despite many successful years three years ago they lost two thirds of their regular funding, and this has become their biggest challenge. Yvonne said, “We have to lead the way to be inclusive and accessible… Our disabled artists have a unique role.”

ArtSite

ArtSite presented a film of their community artist practice, which includes artist studios, art therapy, exhibitions, community art, installation and digital art work. They provide mutual support for artists, which addresses the isolation many feel. Their programme of exhibitions has been well received and they are currently looking for a new venue when the former Railway Museum is closed next month

Swindon Music Service

Director Peter Clark explained that the service wanted to ensure that “every child gets the opportunity to engage in instrumental tuition throughout their school life.” At the moment every child in class at Key Stage 2 can receive instrumental tuition. “We are looking to create a Music Passport, where every activity a child participates in will be recorded” for both the child and the school.

The Wyvern Theatre

Theatre Director Andrew Hill was delighted to be reopening the Wyvern Theatre this week (this received a large round of applause!), but said developments had been underway for years. There was much free space when he first came to the Wyvern, but since then a creative “hub” has developed, with many organisations now using the Wyvern as their base, such as Artsmatrix, Reach, Create Studios and the Head of Arts Services. There are plans to develop six artists’ studios and get practitioners inside the building.

The Commonweal School

Josie Williams, Community Arts and Development Officer, gave a quick overview of her work, recommending people check out their website at http://www.commonwealarts.co.uk, which outlines their mission to increase knowledge of the power of art in a broad social context, raise awareness of social issues, increase empathy with others, and promote personal development and facilitate learning to all.

The Art Gallery/Visual Art Development

Barbara Dixon outlined the way forward for visual arts in Swindon, with her two hats of Art Gallery Officer and Visual Arts Development Officer. She explained that when people come to the Gallery she wants them to really engage with the work, and not just have ten seconds with each image. She wants them to “linger longer”. She has created an interactive wall where people can make art in the gallery and then have it displayed. The big challenge is working towards a new venue for the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art. She added that an online gallery of works was being planned. In terms of Visual Arts development there will be a guide outlining visual art galleries and practitioners in the town, which will also be available on this web site in the not too distant future.

Artsmatrix

Ruth Staple explained that Artsmatrix aim was to provide a programme of service for creative people in the south west, to develop their creativity into careers. They offer 1-1 professional development planning, skills audits, sector specific seminars, and training programmes.

Swindon Culture Partnership

Director Mike Pringle is looking at big business to help Swindon develop their cultural and arts activities. With just a few months in post he has been researching, and meeting people, and is in the early stages of developing this work. See their website.

Community Radio Swindon

Shirley Ludford explained that the community radio will be “daring to be different.” Presenters will be trained volunteers. After a four-week trial in 2005, during which the response was “phenomenal”, the station now has a five-year licence and will begin broadcasting on October. Shirley continued, “We will be accessible, inclusive service working with all aspects of the community.” Their first studio will be based at Swindon Town Football Club. Their priorities will be “Education, Community, Arts, Literature and Music.” They want to capture people’s stories and create a “social history” of Swindon.

Create Studios

Manager Stuart Webb gave an update of Create Studios - moving into exciting new premises with brand new sound and digital media studios, the creation of a new website, their programme of professional development for artists, and - coming soon - 24/7 access to studios. He explained the biggest challenge facing Create was “selling our services”, and “no longer being the best kept secret in town.”

Mobile Media

Director Shahina Johnson explained that Mobile Media was the outreach arm of Create. They launched in 1999 with the mission statement to be, “a unique youth arts project taking the excitement of new digital technologies and professional arts practice to children and young people in school and community settings throughout Swindon.” They are averaging 1,000 participants a year.

Artsmad

Director Kirsty Carter explained that Artsmad is the interface between professional artists and young people. Currently working on the exciting Flux project at Isambard school, she explained that it was the first school in the country where all the staff have been trained to be arts award advisors. Just last week they had nine artists in the school and by Christmas 40 separate programmes will have been delivered.

Artsminds

Coordinator Steve Cause said they currently had over 200 members – and growing – across all the art forms. Artsminds is about facilitating and helping artists, and “continuing to be the voice of the arts in Swindon.”