Arts Council Funds Elevator Arts’ Innovative Project: Creative Routes
We are thrilled to announce that Elevator Arts has been awarded funding by National Lottery through Arts Council England for our latest initiative, Creative Routes. This dynamic project is designed to foster organisational and strategic development within Elevator Arts, with a focus on capacity building, methodology development, and marketing strategy. Here’s a closer look at what Creative Routes entails and the transformative impact it aims to achieve.
Capacity Building: Elevating Skills and Expanding Networks
One of the core components of Creative Routes is the enhancement of our team’s skills and the expansion of our network of artist facilitators. We will achieve this through:
Creative Routes - Facilitation Training: We will offer training to youth workers and volunteers, especially those from non-arts backgrounds who share the life experiences of the communities we serve. This initiative ensures that our team reflects the diversity and inclusivity at the heart of our mission.
Creative Exchange Sessions: These sessions will provide a platform for youth arts professionals to share skills, foster networking, and promote collaboration. By bringing together a diverse group of professionals, we aim to create a vibrant community of practice within the Essex youth arts sector.
Methodology Development: Ensuring Consistency and Effectiveness
Creative Routes will also focus on refining our facilitation styles to align with Elevator Art’s mission and values. This will ensure a consistent and effective approach in our work, enhancing the quality of our programs and the impact we have on the communities we serve.
Developing a CPD Package for Schools
We are excited to start R&D on a Continued Professional Development (CPD) offer for schools, which includes:
Creative Minds Sessions: These informal CPD sessions for teachers will focus on our areas of expertise, such as support for wellbeing, mental health, and social and communication skills through drama. By empowering teachers with these skills, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change within the education sector.
Accreditation: We will seek accreditation from The CPD Certification Service to ensure our CPD offer meets high standards and is recognised across the education sector.
Impact and Vision: Building a Brighter Future
The Creative Routes project aims to make a significant difference by:
Enhancing the skills of the Elevator Arts creative team, amplifying our effectiveness and impact on the communities we serve.
Fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the youth arts sector, promoting lifelong learning and skills development.
Raising Elevator Arts’ profile among teachers and schools, expanding our impact within the education sector.
Supporting income stream development and financial sustainability, enabling us to grow and expand our projects.
Creative Routes will support the wider cultural sector locally by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement within the youth arts sector. It embodies creative collaboration and empowerment for youth workers, teachers, and arts facilitators.
A Strategic Step Forward
Building on the success of our previous Arts Council funded BLAST programme, Creative Routes represents a strategic step forward for Elevator Arts. It combines experiential learning, community engagement, and organisational growth, refining our facilitation methodology and creative learning approach.
With the support of the Arts Council & our project partners: Metal, Southend Theatres, Towngate Theatre & South Essex College, Creative Routes will enable Elevator Arts to explore new areas and ways of working, ensuring our growth and sustainability for years to come. We are excited about this journey and look forward to the positive changes it will bring to our organisation and the communities we serve.
Keep an eye on our social media or join our mailing list here to stay in the loop for Creative Routes updates.
