What is Flux?

Flux is an arts programme for children and young people living in North Swindon.

Why North Swindon?

The programme is researching the effects of putting arts into a new school and new community. North Swindon was chosen because Isambard Community School was opening in the middle of a large, new housing development.

How can I take part?

Pupils of Isambard Community School will automatically be offered opportunities within the school. Flux is also delivering activities in other North Swindon schools. Any local young person can participate in the programme of evening, holiday and weekend activities. Flux is working in partnership with the Youth Service, so young people who attend the Underground Youth Centre and the new Isambard Youth Centre will be involved.

How can I find out what is going on?

A web site will be live soon but in the meantime a programme of activities is published on the Artsmad website: www.artsmad.org.uk or you can contact Jo the Flux Programme Co-ordinator.

Who is running Flux?

Flux is managed by Artsmad, which is part of Swindon Borough Council’s Arts Services. A team of extra staff has been put together to manage the Flux Programme.

Where is the Flux team based?

We have an office in:

Isambard Community School, Redhouse Way, Swindon SN25 2ND

How is Flux funded?

£1,000,000 comes from the Treasury from the Invest to Save budget, other funds come from Arts Council England and local sources. There is also a modest charge for taking part in evening, weekend and holiday activities.

Where did the name ‘Flux’ come from?

A group of young people from the Underground Youth Centre worked with Mobile Media and a graphic artist on the name and logo.

What age do you have to be to take part?

Between 3 and 25

What art forms are included in the Flux programme?

• Digital media (film making, animation, photography)
• theatre/drama
• music
• dance
• visual arts
• circus skillscarnival arts
• and any other art forms that young people come up with.

How long will Flux last?

The research and development phase began in April 2006. The full programme is from September 2007 until August 2009.

Where do Flux activities take place?

At Isambard school, both during the school day and after school for Isambard pupils. Also, evening activities which are open to anyone will take place at Isambard School and the Underground Youth Centre. Flux activities are also happening in the Haydon Centre and other community spaces and, of course, we have the FluxMobile.

What is the FluxMobile?

This is a custom built mobile digital studio that has been commissioned especially for this project. Mobile Media, from Create Studios, have designed and fitted out this American Airstream vehicle with the latest digital film-making equipment. The FluxMobile visits schools and community places, bringing film-making activities directly to young people.

Which artists/arts organisations are involved?

• Film and digital media work is delivered by Mobile Media, from Create Studios.
• Dance is provided by Swindon Dance
• Theatre/drama by Sixth Sense Theatre Company
• Music by Swindon Music Service
• and Visual Arts by a variety of artists.

How can I register to take part?

Contact Ella, the Flux Community Co-ordinator and she'll give you details.

Can Flux help me get my Arts Award?

Yes. You will be able to work towards Bronze, Silver or Gold. All staff and artists are trained as arts award advisers. You will be encouraged to build up evidence for your Arts Award during arts activities within the school curriculum and in after-school arts activities. You will be able to attend weekly drop-in sessions, where the Flux team will help you with your Arts Award. You will also be given lots of opportunities to develop your arts leadership skills.

If this is an action research project , where will the findings be published?

The research and evaluation is being carried out by Bath University Institute of Contemporary and Interdisciplinary Arts (ICIA). They will be reporting back regularly through articles and reports which will be published on the Flux website. Young people, teachers and artists will all be involved in the evaluation and will contribute to a final publication which will be launched at a special dissemination event in Autumn 2009.

Contact Details

Artsmad Director
Kirsty Carter
07766 368395
Kirsty@artsmad.org.uk

Artsmad Co-ordinator
Gill Olney
07824 550392
gill@artsmad.org.uk

Flux Programme Co-ordinator
Jo Beale
07824 550484
Jo@artsmad.org.uk

Flux Community Co-ordinator
Ella Bissett Johnson
07824 550466
ella@artsmad.org.uk