ARTS DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Defining the Arts
Strabane’s future arts development plan must start with a clear understanding of what is meant by the term “arts”. A broad definition of the arts has been adopted for the Strabane Arts Development Plan.
The “arts” includes all types of:
§ popular culture
§ music, dance, theatre/drama and performing arts entertainments
§ visual arts and crafts
§ video, film and photography
§ electronic media and digital arts
§ poetry, writing, storytelling and literature
§ interdisciplinary art, such as live art and performance art
The arts may be:
§ amateur
§ voluntary
§ professional
§ subsidised
§ commercial
The arts happen in all sorts of places and spaces:
§ in the open air
§ in schools and colleges
§ in leisure centres and community venues
§ in galleries, theatres and concert halls
The arts can open up experiences to all kinds of people, through taking part, learning new skills and working with others, as well as through experiencing the arts as audiences, listeners and viewers.
Mission Statement
The statement of beliefs and values, which outlines the guiding principles for arts development, is enshrined in a mission statement. It is a creed, which is underpinned by a particular philosophy relevant to the local authority and fits into the overall corporate policy.
Strabane District Council’s mission statement for arts development is:
“To develop arts and cultural activity in Strabane District by providing maximum access to, participation in and enjoyment of wide ranging and quality arts activities (as audiences and as artists), to as broad a cross section of the population as possible, through strategic provision and the development of statutory and voluntary partnerships, in order to improve the cultural, educational, social and economic life of the District”.
Aims for Arts Development in Strabane
From the mission statement a number of aims and objectives have been identified for arts development:
AIM 1:
Establish a framework to enable arts development through civic leadership and in partnership across statutory and voluntary sectors.
AIM 2:
Integrate the arts into the educational, social and economic life of the District and use the arts as a positive mechanism for change.
AIM 3:
Increase access to, participation in and enjoyment of the arts for all sectors of the community (as audiences and artists/as groups and individuals).
AIM 4:
Enhance the quality of arts provision
Arts Development Objectives and Actions
Assumptions on Level of Facility Provision
From a timing perspective, the focus of arts development objectives and actions will vary depending on the level of facility provision and other resources that are available. Within the period of this new arts development plan it is assumed that the new community facilities within the Library and Resource Centre project will be well established but the development of the proposed Theatre/Arts Centre will not yet be available.
It is envisaged that the Community Arts Facilities developed as part of the new Library project will include workshop/training rooms, civic/lecture rooms, rehearsal room, recording area, art and craft studio and gallery space.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS
OBJECTIVE 1
Create a framework with the capacity to effectively deliver an integrated and cohesive 3 year programme of arts development by civic leadership and through partnerships across statutory and voluntary sectors.
ACTION 1.1
Confirm the Council as the key strategic player and lead facilitator in community arts development through the adoption and implementation of the arts development plan.
Strabane District Council’s aspirations for the arts go beyond fulfilling its statutory responsibility for cultural provision and a core funder of arts activity. The Arts Development Plan provides the framework for the Council’s role to extend its parameters from guardianship to adopting a proactive leadership and strategic development role.
ACTION 1.2
Allocate resources to put in place a full-time, dedicated Arts Development Officer.
The scope of the post must focus towards the development of arts provision and activity throughout the District and delivering professional support to existing and new arts groups within the voluntary sector. This would include providing practical assistance with administrative, planning, networking, development, marketing and implementation of key arts initiatives and events. This postholder will take a prime co-ordinating role in the professional administration of the arts in the Strabane District area. It is envisaged that the Arts Development Officer would act as the focal point of contact for all enquiries (from agencies, groups and individuals) related to the arts within Strabane District. The Arts Development Officer should also have responsibility for a clearly identified arts development budget allocated by the Council. This should include all support that is given by the Council to existing groups and initiatives to ensure that these can be considered within the wider context of overall funding and priorities for the delivery of culture and arts development programmes.
ACTION 1.3
Establish and facilitate leadership of effective forums for consultation and partnership on arts development.
There are many players involved in arts development throughout Strabane District. In addition to participant arts groups/individuals there are many other organisations who at different levels, provide facilities, services and funding for arts activity. The broad definition of the “arts” reflects the Council’s view of the need for arts and cultural facilities to be a part of a holistic development plan.
This includes the potential to create new models of partnership delivery and the possibility of extending the possibilities for access to and participation in the arts to the widest possible audience, by creating a synergy of cultural development opportunities with other organisations.
The arts should be part of an integrated and coherent cultural policy, linked in with policies for education and life-long learning, for sports, recreation and leisure, for libraries and museums, for youth work, community development and social services and for economic development and environmental policies, rather than standing alone.
ACTION 1.3.1
Establish and facilitate leadership of Strabane Arts Strategy Group to seek and secure funding for arts development.
Seeking and securing funding for arts development is best achieved through a strategic partnership of relevant organisations and agencies with an interest in the arts as part of wider economic and social remits. This body would meet at least annually and would share information on activity and opportunities relating to seeking and securing funding for arts projects. It would also foster awareness and recognition of the Council’s Arts Development Plan and ensure it is integrated with wider economic regeneration initiatives. There would be flexibility to co-opt other relevant organisations/agencies as members on a temporary or permanent basis (e.g. nominated representatives from other local authorities, local arts organisations etc). Strabane District Council, through the Arts Development Officer, would act as the professional administrative Chair for the Strategy Group and facilitate consultation with Department of Education, Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Arts Council Lottery Unit.
ACTION 1.3.2
Establish and facilitate leadership of Strabane Arts Network (StarNet).
Community arts groups/individuals should play a key role in developing, prioritising and monitoring the implementation of arts development initiatives. This input would be achieved by establishing a new Strabane Arts Network, which would meet four times a year. The Network would also establish an information network and dissemination mechanism to, from and between the Council and other agencies and the local community arts groups. The composition of Network will need to be representative of the arts community (groups and individuals) and the various art forms as well as reflecting the huge levels of voluntary arts activity that takes place throughout Strabane District. Strabane District Council, through the Arts Development Officer, would act as the professional administrative Chair for the Network. Development work and training will also be required for nominated representatives. These measures will be essential to overcome the difficulties associated with the former Strabane Arts Advisory Committee.
OBJECTIVE 2
Address the built infrastructure/facility requirements of the District by facilitating development and access to quality arts facilities for all sections of the District’s community.
The Council has already recognised that a significant gap exists in arts provision within the district and that this is a severe constraint in promoting a sustainable arts development programme, through performance or community-based activities. Provision of facilities and equipment capable of arts use are an essential part of the core infrastructure/facility requirements for arts development both in Strabane town and across the district.
ACTION 2.1
Ensure that relevant community arts facilities are delivered and an effective arts programming policy is established as part of the new Library project in Strabane town. All facility provision must be developed to the highest quality standards and expectations whilst being flexible and allowing multiple use to take place at the same time.
Additionally, community needs in terms of physical accessibility, affordability and availability for community use must be addressed.
This will ensure maximum effective use and efficiency of facilities by allowing the different art forms, and general community to share spaces (e.g. workshop areas/rehearsal rooms etc) that are designed and equipped to meet each individual need. This will serve the real demand for active participation by community groups across all art forms, drama, music, dance, spoken word and literature, opera, film animation and innovative, digital and creative media.
ACTION 2.2
Develop proposals for the development of a multi-purpose performance venue in partnership with funding bodies.
OBJECTIVE 3
Provide support mechanisms, which facilitate the consolidation, development and sustainability of existing arts activity/groups.
Considerable effort and resources have been committed to establishing current arts activity – this must not be lost. The relative strengths of the amateur arts movement and the community development sector indicates a strong emphasis on educative and developmental arts activity could act as a mechanism for building future participation and audience capacity. This approach fits with the arts facility development programme that is in place and proceeding.
ACTION 3.1
Establish an annual arts festival programme in the District including development and incorporation of fringe/masterclass events and other ancillary arts activities.
ACTION 3.2
Continue to operate a Cultural and Arts small grant aid programme for local arts and community groups.
ACTION 3.3
Facilitate professional assistance and central resourcing for the marketing of arts activities.
ACTION 3.4
Provision of an accessible central bank of equipment that can be used to help develop training/skills in local people.
ACTION 3.5
Development and support for appropriate bursary programmes to encourage artistic excellence.
OBJECTIVE 4
Initiate the co-ordinated delivery of existing and new opportunities for wide public access to, and participation in, the arts in all forms.
Arts development in the context of Strabane is about increasing awareness of the potential of the arts for the community and for the individual and to integrate the arts into the social and economic life of the District. Most people’s relationship with the “arts” begins at school (literature, music, the visual arts, the school choir and annual play). Leaving school often means the end of this relationship except for those who have an exceptional interest or whose background predisposes them to continue an involvement either as a participant in, e.g., an amateur drama group or as a devotee of the professional arts. Providing continued opportunities and easy access to the arts is critical in order to facilitate increased numbers “keeping up an interest” in arts activities. There is a developmental progression that acknowledges that participation in the arts decreases as the activities and the demands they make become more complex.
ACTION 4.1
Continued implementation of a broad community arts programming policy – covering drama, dance, music and visual arts, crafts photography, film, video, creative writing and traditional activities etc – with the flexibility to respond to the ongoing evolution of arts practice, the criteria of potential funding sources and balance a proactive approach with a reactive support network.
The programme of arts development must focus primarily on satisfying the needs and interests of locally based participants and audiences. The Council should initiate the co-ordinated delivery of arts projects and initiatives that are representative of all arts forms across the District draw upon the key principles of introduction, access, participation, performance and excellence and are integrated with community relations.
ACTION 4.2
Advise and assist with the development of venue programming policies to increase the frequency and range of professional performances available within the District, including the promotion of Arts Council for Northern Ireland subsidised touring performances and other independent tours.
ACTION 4.3
Re-confirm a framework of priorities so that decisions on future support for the
co-ordinated delivery of arts projects and initiatives can be based on a transparent and objective evaluation process that is responsive to identified needs.
Proposed priorities include:
§ Balancing high quality events (with audience and participant opportunities) with the development of community arts activities.
§ Ensuring a continuous programme of arts development activities.
§ Developing activities that tap into specific niches in the marketplace and build on uniqueness successes and local identity (avoiding competition with activities in other areas).
§ Providing an outreach programme to support rural communities.
§ Developing cross border support/initiatives to encourage activity in the area.
§ Creating opportunities for young people.
§ Focusing on the use of new technologies.
§ Developing skills amongst local people.
ACTION 4.4
Re-confirm priorities for existing arts and cultural grant aid programmes in accordance with the Council’s funding policy (Potential initiatives/projects are identified in Appendix A).
OBJECTIVE 5
Facilitate new opportunities for arts activity through advocacy and lobbying.
Advocacy and lobbying will play a critical role in the implementation of the arts development plan through raising awareness and facilitating the process of securing commitment and resources required to facilitating the delivery of new arts opportunities for the local community.
ACTION 5.1
Lead and facilitate discussions with other key arts providers at a national level and organisations involved in social and economic regeneration within Strabane District.