Following a survey, plans are under way to consult with a view to forming the implementation of the strategy agreed at the full Council Meeting.

Reports from sessions attended will be included here.

This event was organised by Ignite Imaginations and funded by S.C.C.

Luisa Golob outlined the 20 year history of the organisation, the repeated attempts to save it and the feelings of staff. She was determined to be a model of resilience.

Speaker 1 - Linda Bloomfield of Rivelin Co spoke of her experience as a manager of an Arts project and  presented her analysis of the present poor climate for Arts funding in the UK, referring to Brexit, Covid, changed government priorities etc.. She highlighted that charities were plugging some funding gaps and that the Arts Council now reacted positively to only 10-20% of bids. Linda argued that new projects need to collaborate rather than compete, join national organisations and use online support. They need to use a blend of paid and voluntary workers. Linda emphasised that outside of ACE other grant awarding bodies were struggling with the demand by closing/limiting range of applications, reducing the number of funding rounds and only taking solicited applications etc.

Her recommendation was that applicants should have a full, clear digital presence, good PR and press relations. Resilience should be in built. Linda also suggested organisations should seek to diversify income streams and leverage digital, international support. Utilising private wealth needed to be worked on. Organisations should "Do less and do better".

Speaker 2  - Jodie Marshall  who worked for two organisations, Minds Apart and Mantle, brought a business perspective. Her theme was the need to use creativity to problem solve and run your organisation. She argued that Arts organisations were ironically poor in this respect. She emphasised the need to problem solve, tell an engaging story, define challenges etc. Arts organisations should be resourceful, opportunity spotters.

Speaker 3 -  Marina Larios who works for Innova, an education and training company, spoke from the perspective of neuroscience recognising cognitive dissonance when there were attempts to dissuade individuals and groups from ceativity.  She suggested means of alleviating stress, developing self belief and self esteem.
Marina also touched on the psychology of change, the need to register opportunities etc.

We were invited to circulate around tables which focussed on different aspects of resilience and change as it affects the individual, ideally spending time at three of the seven.

These were useful sessions which highlighted how important networking and mutual support is to those working in the sector.