ACME: A West Midlands Network for Artists and Creatives who work with children and young people
In order to establish the need for, purpose of and function of a network for practitioners and creatives working with children and young people, practitioners were asked to respond to a series of questions. These responses were then ranked by the participants to form a plan of action shown.
Need for the Network
1. To have a voice – access to each other and decision makers
2. To give the opportunity to develop practice
Purpose of the Network
1. To find and share information
- Showcasing and social events
- Directory – more effective than online
2. To market and promote the work we do
3. To organise events and opportunities
- Support to sell and access to decision makers and budget holders (including; ACE, schools, Arts Connect WM)
- Practical marketing
- Platform for discussion about good practice and quality
- Good quality CPD run by practitioners
- Awards event to celebrate good practice
Next Steps
1. A series of meetings -
- 4th October - invited head teachers from the region, primary and secondary to give:-
- a) Their perspectives on the changes happening in the education sector and the impacts they see this having on their work with freelance artists and creatives
- b) How they interpret what schools need and want from practicing artists and creatives
- c) What they think are schools changing priorities during this time and how artists and creatives can help meet that challenge
- For a personal report by Noel on the meeting with school leaders please click here
- 2nd November – Representation from Arts Council England will be present.
- 8th December – Jan Roman Director of new bridging organisation will be present to give an update on Arts Connect West Midlands