Arts Programme and Cultural Development

Barking and Dagenham Arts Development

Arts Development is the foundation of the Arts Programme and Cultural Development remit, developing the range of arts activity taking place in Barking and Dagenham and the numbers and range of people taking part.

This work is realised in the form of one off projects and events to raise awareness or involve a specific community group, ongoing activity such as after school dance and drama clubs, aimed at developing levels of skill and achievement, through to large scale platform events such as Molten, which raise the profile of the arts in the borough and involve a diverse mix of people directly in its organisation and presentation.

The Arts Development programme is coordinated annually in response to local issues and needs, to ensure that we put on events, courses, projects and activities for all members of the community to enjoy.

We undertake a process where we look at activity of the previous year, assess numbers and range of participants and audiences and use this information to prioritise our arts budget, fundraising requirements and partnerships for the next year.

Projects and activities take place at a wide range of venues and locations across the borough and for all different ages and backgrounds as a result. Many arts activities are not council led ones, but are put on by local groups and organisations or schools.

Where possible, we look to support these activities financially, or through positive representation within the council or with partners.

The Arts Development programme underpins the development of our arts infrastructure, by supporting the community in accessing arts and cultural activity and in turn creating audiences for venues such as The Broadway, employment and support for local artists and organisations and opportunities for people to learn new skills and access new opportunities.

Arts and Culture News, Events and Opportunities|