The arts on a zero budget
How can a council support the arts when its budget has been cut completely? Charlotte Fergusson shares the inspiring sto…
Posts
Work experience that works
Disappointed by a low take-up in its traineeship scheme, Curious Minds decided to shake things up and think about what d…
Learning for the future
Caroline O’Neill explains why a project using the arts to improve the lives of looked after children and adults with de…
No final destination
What’s the secret of the success of Brent’s music service? A belief that music education is never over, writes Cl…
Connecting with local people
When it comes to art and culture in Barking and Dagenham, local people call the shots. Miriam Nelken and Helen…
Appealing to local residents
Lorna Lee reveals how William Morris Gallery boosted its visitor numbers from 17,000 to 110,000 by engaging local people.
From closure to creation
Since Cornwall Council closed its schools music service, an independent service has emerged that is no longer at the mercy of poli…
Mission made possible
Partnerships with local authories are crucial to Orchestras Live’s work. Henry Little reveals how they’ve ma…
Repositioning a service
Tony Witton reports on the changes Kent County Council’s arts and culture service has made since asked to find new…
Social capital in practice
Has East Sussex County Council achieved the unachievable? Sally Staples reveals how, through a social capital…
Going it alone
Dorset's local authority arts service has just made the complex transition to a public service mutual. Lindsay Harrod&nbs…
A successful start
Libby Penn reveals how MAC Belfast achieved ambitious attendance targets in its first year of operation with the help of a be…
Risks worth taking?
Who really benefits from ‘pay what you can’ and ‘pay what you decide’ ticketing offers? Two organisations…
Child power
For a recent production, Little Earthquake passed the reins over to 100 primary school children. Philip Holyman describes the even…
In praise of parenting skills
The arts need leaders who can convey a clear vision and empower their staff. Well, parents practice these skills every day and it&…
A working life that works
A production company run by two women with seven children between them is rewriting the rules that separate work and family life,…
A simple start
Catherine Love explains why giving emerging artists no-strings-attached support is so important.
Doing it their way
Are female theatre directors in the UK successful because they followed the linear, patriarchal route – or did they do…
A hospital with a soul
A public art programme at Southmead Hospital in Bristol has breathed soul into the hospital building and created a sense of commun…
Working with nature
What happens to sculptures and other artworks in a forest trail over time as they surrender to the elements – or to the nati…
A real role in rehearsals
Fifteen members of the public invited to take part in the rehearsal of a playlet will be actively involved in the direction, chore…
Dancing in the streets
Creating accidental audiences, be it on beaches, in shopping centres or at bus stops, is increasing the number of people who feel…
Art in everyday life
Artist-led and community-focused projects are key to placemaking, says Susan Jones. Just look at Preston, where the In Certain Pla…
Stumbling across a concert
As part of a project to build new audiences for orchestral music, Rachel Escott explains her ‘stumbled across’ tactic…
