Devon Artsculture is a dynamic and creative arts development programme offering visibility, opportunity and growth for creative practitioners working throughout the rural areas of Devon.
Click here to visit the Devon Artsculture website
Devon Artsculture aims to develop the arts in rural regeneration and to increase economic performance and opportunities for the creative sector within the rural economy.
It aims to have real impact for artists, musicians and those in the craft sector by being a resource, a guide, a facilitator.
The project started in 2004 with the aim to protect and foster rural arts and bring the best, the traditional and the ground-breaking to the attention of a national and worldwide audience.
The original project partners were Dartington Plus. Devon County Council and Beaford Arts. Funding was provided by the partners and the European Regional Development Fund, for three years from 2004 - 2007.
What is happening with Devon Artsculture now?
With the end of the European Union funding stream as of December 2007 proposals have been put to the original project partners for the continuation of Devon Artsculture, albeit in a modified form. There are intellectual property considerations that need to be resolved before a definite announcement can be made.
The proposals that have been received centre on developing Devon Artsculture into a social enterprise communications network that supports and promotes grassroots creative practitioners and that also provides an umbrella for them to collaborate. Social enterprises are organisations that have a social purpose (eg promoting interest and engagement with the arts, combating rural isolation, developing skills) but that operate along business lines in order to avoid a dependency on grant-funding. Whilst the issues over the continuation of the use of the name are resolved and as the office at Dartington is closing you can register your interest in being involved in any future evolution of Devon Artsculture or being kept informed of developments by emailing info@devonartsculture.co.uk <mailto:info@devonartsculture.co.uk>
Who benefits?
The creative community
The programme will support creative practitioners by offering business support measures and economic opportunities directly to small businesses, start-ups, individuals and creative freelancers within rural Devon.
The local economy
Devon Artsculture will support business growth while helping to retain economic wealth where it is generated. Its aim is to promote economic development and rural regeneration through the arts.
The people of Devon
Local people are the primary audience and first beneficiaries of the county's creative output. Devon Artsculture represents a true celebration of the creative arts in Devon making its creative output available to a very large audience far beyond the physical boundaries of the county.
Being Specific
Devon Artsculture will:
- Provide business support and development for creative practitioners in rural Devon
- Promote economic development and rural regeneration through the arts
- Improve business, marketing, publicity and information & computer technology skills
- Develop a website to assist the programme
- Provide links with industry
- Work with other local and regional initiatives to provide creative industry support where it is needed
Dartington Plus is a partnership between The Dartington Hall Trust, King Edward VI Community College and University College Falmouth – incorporating Dartington College of Arts. Funded by Arts Council England