Culture, Young People and Swindon: Arts Make a Difference
Artsmad, Swindon’s cultural education partnership, has commissioned an exciting piece of research into the benefits of cultural activity for young people and Swindon.
The research was carried out in partnership with local cultural organisations including Sixth Sense Theatre, Swindon Dance, Create Studios, Isambard and Commonweal Schools, Swindon Music Service, Swindon Museums and Heritage, Swindon Libraries and Swindon Arts Centre.
The report relates national research about the positive impact of cultural learning to recent Swindon success stories such as Sixth Sense Theatre’s ‘Shakespeare Dayz’ project, which used workshops and performances to bring a new take on Shakespeare to young audiences, and Swindon Museum & Art Gallery’s ‘Young Curators’ group.
The report explores the huge benefits that cultural activity can have for young people, including improved educational attainment across the curriculum, raised self-esteem and improved inter-personal skills. Keith Defter, head teacher at Commonweal School commented: ‘The contribution of the arts to the life and success of our school and the community as a whole is massive. We are certain that it is a major factor in the school’s continued success, instilling confidence and creativity in all our students.’
Cultural opportunities for young people also benefit Swindon as whole. The research demonstrates that arts organisations can help to reduce anti-social behaviour by targeting young people who are not in employment, education or training. Cultural projects can also improve community cohesion and encourage people to have pride in their town. As one visitor to Create Studios’ ‘A Portrait of Swindon’ exhibition commented: ‘It’s so good to see people positive about Swindon for a change, especially when there is so much to be positive about.’
The positive impact of cultural organisations on Swindon’s economy and jobs market is another of the research’s key findings. The creative industries are a growth area and are expected to employ 1.3 million people in the UK by 2013, potentially more than financial services. The report shows that arts organisations such as Swindon Dance gave 17 young people paid employment and offered 49 work placements during 2011/12.
Councillor Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We have a good relationship with our local arts groups and cultural organisations and I’m delighted this report has highlighted the positive impact they have on Swindon’s economy.
“One of our key One Swindon priorities is for everyone to enjoy sport, leisure and cultural opportunities so it is important we work with our partners to realise this priority.
“We have recently set out our new Swindon Heritage Strategy and we are continuing to explore options for a new art gallery as we recognise the importance of arts and culture to the future prosperity of the town.”
The report will be launched on January 8th 2013 at a special event at Swindon Arts Centre featuring performances from Swindon Dance and Swindon Music Services, speeches by young people, short films and certificate presentations. Following this a digital copy of the research will be available from the Artsmad website (www.artsmad.org.uk)
