Arts project delivers real benefit to local communities
Last updated | 17/05/2008
An arts festival in Eastern Perthshire has been identified nationally as an example of good practice in getting communities involved in cultural activities, according to a report to the next Lifelong Learning Committee.
Perth & Kinross Council took part in the national Cultural Pathfinder initiative, with the local project building on and extending the already successful stART festival. Local volunteers were supported in organising the event for residents in the Strathmore area by the Council's arts and community development workers. Additionally, resources were also made available after the festival for small groups to explore different arts activities further.
Independent evaluation of the Perth and Kinross Cultural Pathfinder found that the local communities involved were empowered to make decisions on what arts and cultural activities would be included as part of the festival, and it helped them develop and share new skills. In addition, local people had a increased input into the delivery of cultural services in the Strathmore area and greater opportunities to celebrate their community's cultural heritage.
The project has also received local and national praise. It won the Community Engagement award at the Council's recent Securing the Future Awards and has received recognition from the Scottish Government and from the Scottish Arts Council, which noted it as an example of good practice.
Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Liz Grant said: "This has been a real success in community engagement, bringing people together to organise and take part in arts and cultural activities, with positive end benefits for them and their communities. The wider recognition is also very heartening for the Council and the officers concerned who have worked very closely to help everyone involved get the most from the project."
