It is difficult to ignore the regenerative power of the arts. Afterall, culture has played a huge part in regenerating cities such as Liverpool — which, after being named European Capital of Culture in 2008, enjoyed an £800m boost to the regional economy — Glasgow, Newcastle and beyond.
There are benefits for individuals exposed to community arts too. Recent research from Tate Britain and Dulwich Picture Gallery found that community arts have a positive impact on the health of its recipients, particularly their mental health.
If you're interested in getting involved in the sector, the main employers for community arts practitioners include artist-led organisations — organisations such as Community Arts North West — and local authorities. According to Ask: what if? — a website for people interested in careers that have a positive impact on other people's lives and the community they live in — 80 of the 140 local authorities in England and Wales employ community development artists and the site has also seen increased demand from voluntary organisations and publicly-funded bodies for workers in this area.
To find out more about routes into the sector, career progression within and beyond community arts and how to train and gain experience, we are bringing together a panel of experts to take your questions in our live Q&A.
Francis Nielsen, outreach officer, Wolverhampton Arts & Museums. Francis works on citywide projects and her work has won awards in areas such as deaf accessibility, and working with the Primary Care Trust on social marketing projects.
Matthew Pegg is director of Mantle Arts, a participatory arts company based in Leicestershire. Before Matle, he worked in regional theatres producing work for young people and had a brief, eye opening, time at Arts Council, East Midlands, providing maternity cover for the theatre officer.
Andrew Crummy is a professional artist, founder of World Community Arts Day and director of The Prestonpans Mural Programme. Has been involved in community arts for more than 25 years. He was raised in Craigmillar, Edinburgh experienced the Craigmillar Festival Society and has witnessed how community arts can support and change a community.
Chrissie Tiller is director for the MA in Cross-Sectoral and Community Arts at Goldsmiths College, London University. She also runs her own creative consultancy, CTA Elegant Solutions, exploring the impact and value of the arts in community, business, inter-cultural and educational settings and has more than 25 years experience of working in participatory and socially engaged arts.
The discussion is now open for your questions and comments — so get posting! You can join the discussion here.
