Arts Development

Arts Development Officer' - Biography

Hi, my name is Jenny Davis, I am the Arts Development Officer for Wychavon District Council. I am part of the Community Development Team. I have been working in community arts and education for over 12 years, particularly specialising in Drama and Theatre and young people.

How can an Arts Development Officer benefit you?

History
Wychavon District Council has had an Arts Development Officer for approximately ten years. There has been a gap in the service for 1 year and I started in April 2007. Arts Development sits alongside Sports Development in the Community Development Team, managed by Jem Teal. I am very new to working in Worcestershire, but I am building my knowledge rapidly. I have over 13 years experience in the arts industry, predominantly for theatres and working in youth theatre, with children and young people aged 7-21 years. This was both as a practitioner, director, producer and project manager so I have a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Current role

1. Advice and information for local artists and arts groups e.g. funding advice, setting up a group, developing a group, raiaing the profile of the group.
2. Raising the profile of the arts in Wychavon and Worcestershire e.g. Artworks newsletter
3. Working in partnership with organisations and individuals to achieve shared aims and objectives
4. Working with others to develop more sustainable high quality opportunities and access to creative activity, both as  a participant and as audience member, in particular young people and in rural areas
5. To act as a voice for the arts at a local level, County Council level and the West Midlands and advocate for the arts where possible
   

Present
Some of the arts projects that Wychavon District Council are currently involved in are;

• WSRAP - Shindig touring to villages and Worcestershire Arts Marketing
• Mikron theatre tour
• Youth music
• Party in the Parks 2008
• Summer Events
• Worcestershire Dance Promoters schools project
• Eastern Arts and Food Festival

Future Priorities
As mentioned before, the main priorities identified by our community planning process are, children and young people and rural areas, therefore the main bulk of the work will focus on these areas. This will be with all of the arts forums, from theatre to dance to silk painting and music. However, this is not exclusive to other areas of work, so I will be working with older people, adults, the creative industries etc. to make the arts in Wychavon vibrant, high quality and accessible.

To summarise
How Arts Development Officer can benefit you is;

• Help, advise and guidance on a whole range of arts issues
• Share information about opportunities in the county and West Midlands generally e.g. training, funding, performances etc.
  Help to market your work through the artworks newsletter and e-news
• Work in partnership to achieve similiar goals
• Work in a strategic, joined up way to avoid duplication and increase power and possibilities through funding etc.
• Advocate on your behalf at a local, county and regional level

What is Arts Development?

It is believed that the Arts are fundamental to the quality of people's lives and we aim to provide opportunities for people to spectate or participate in quality arts activities throughout the district in a safe enviroment. These opportunities are irrespective of age, ability, cultural background or circumstances.

The Arts cover a broad spectrum of activities, including painting, literature, photography, new technology, drama, dance, sculpture, music (classical and popular), and also covers all age ranges from pre-school to post retirement.

The Aims of Arts within Wychavon are:

• To extend and increase the audience for and participation in the arts, especially throughout the rural areas of the District.
• Encourage the creation of new work and projects of the highest possible standard.
• Raise awareness of external funding oportunities.
• Promote and raise the profile of the arts, including the social, economic and educational value.
• Increase resources available to the arts through increased cross-departmental working and external partnerships.

We achieve these aims through working in partnership with individuals and organisations including:

• Village Halls
• National Bodies (Arts Council England)
• Schools
• Worcestershire sub-regional arts partnership (WSRAP), working with the other Districts and County Councils of Worcestershire
• Amateur and voluntary organisations

The role of Arts Development is to develop and deliver a wide range of arts activities throughout the Wychavon District Council Area. To create sustainable projects and schemes that offer opportunities for everyone.

Arts Worker Code of Conduct

Working with children, young people and vulnerable adults
Wychavon District Council

Arts workers should comply with the principles of good ethical practice listed below;

• Arts workers must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat everyone equally and fairly
• Arts workers must place the well-being and safety of the participant above the development of the skill. Arts workers must hold appropriate insurance cover
• Arts workers must develop an appropriate working relationship with participants based on mutual trust and respect, so that the workshops run smoothly and the participant can feel able to talk to the Arts Worker about any issues
• Arts workers must encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
• Arts workers need to hold a current Enhanced CRB Check
• Arts workers must ensure the workshops they run or advise on, are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual and are properly structured
• Arts workers should, at the beginning, clarify with the participants (and where appropriate with the parents) exactly what is expected of them and what participants expect from the arts worker. A behaviour contract may sometimes be appropriate.
• Arts workers must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance
• Be aware of the possible implications of physical contact with young people, always ask a participant for permission before any physical contact occurs
• Arts workers must never show favouritism to any individual
• Arts workers must always challenge children and young people if they use inappropriate language (e.g. swearing, racial/sexual taunts) or are bullying other participants or not treating others with respect
• Arts workers must be aware of the recommended procedures if a child discloses anything or they suspect any child abuse is happening

If you would like to let us know your comments or give some feedback regarding the Arts or any part of Community Development please visit the Wychavon Arts, Sports & Leisure Blog

Further Information

Telephone - 01386 565396 or 07967 640820
Email - jenny.davis@wychavon.gov.uk
Hours of work - Mon-Fri 9-5pm