Earlier this month, we hosted the visit of Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley plus senior Arts Council Managers, to explore how communities are getting involved in Culture in Common as well as the collaboration happening between arts organisations across the New Forest.
First up was Totton’s Creative Hub, in Totton precinct. The hub is a welcoming space for theatre and creative activities. The team behind it want everyone to experience the positive benefits that theatre and creative activity can have on wellbeing and mental health, especially those who might not normally engage with them.
In the precinct a co-created sound installation was on offer to members of the public, so they could listen to poems written by local poets Damian Kelly-Basher and Stephen Muldowney-Mizen, and recorded by local people following recent community sessions with Culture in Common.
The group also met with Pride in The Shirt creators at Totton AFC. The initiative plans to combine physical activity with creativity, creating a safe space for Transgender young people to play football, create poetry, chants and design their own kit.
The group moved onto another local performance venue, Hanger Farm. The venue supports people with learning disabilities and is part of local charity Minstead Trust.
The day finished with Coda Music & Arts Trust opening their latest studio space in New Milton with an acrobatic dance performance, Life’s a Beach.
