For over ten years I have worked in community engagement in theatre, as well as instigating independent projects. Across my broad experience of designing and managing participatory arts projects, I pay special attention to place-based approaches to grow the reach and offer to the communities we work with. It is very important to me that the project leaves the ground more fertile for future projects to take place through democratic means.
I am very passionate and vocal about the transformational potential of the Arts for individuals and communities as I believe they help grow empathy, build connections between people and foster our ability to support one another; qualities needed more than ever in the Covid recovery. My strong belief in the Arts as a vehicle for social change has recently taken me to postgraduate study, and I am currently completing an MA in Art and Social Practice. Through my studies, I am engaged in the current debates, issues, and innovations in community art equipping me with a fresh perspective to apply to numerous contexts.
As part of my studies, I am undertaking a project deepening the role of place in my practice: how can incorporating place-based approaches foster a greater relevance for performing arts in the lives of communities? This project will see me exploring the role of place across four organisation in Scotland and England.
Culture is the stories that connect people, and we all have them to share. It is based in social interaction and takes places over food, play, and crafts. The trick is finding the creative spark to inspire that exchange, such as recollect: Dundee or Incubation: Hope.
Accessible language and flexible working processes are key in my interactions with participants/co-creators of projects. I have a particular interest in working with communities who have previously not engaged with organisations, growing positive creative relationships on behalf of organisations. The aim of my work is to make community engagement visible, relational, and long-lasting.
Header Photo: Dave Hill
GIF: Dave Hill
Incubation Image: Sean McGonigal
Nicholas Barton-Wines 