Agenda item

The Chairperson welcomed Emalene Hickman (Winchester City Council) to the meeting who gave a presentation which provided an update on the arts programme, noting the following key points as summarised below:

(i)            The arts programme was named "Plot Lines", playing on the idea of plots of land and plots in stories, with the aim of collecting stories.  A visual identity was being recognised.

(ii)          A full team of artists, designers, writers, managers, and evaluators had been established.

(iii)         The programme was launched with a workshop in April, engaging people in conversations about what reminded them of home, which was helpful in building a sense of community.

(iv)         In May, events included participation in the VE Day Fete, where magnetic words were used for poetry and drawing boards were provided for younger children. In addition, a workshop on memories was held at a care home, focusing on residents' memories, including rationing. This was turned into a poem, which Southern Music Project then worked with a group of young people to turn into a song. The song was performed back to the residents. This event was oversubscribed, demonstrating the demand for engagement with young people.

Furthermore, the team also attended the Careers Pathway event organised by Grainger, engaging with young people.

(v)          New writing was regularly being posted on Instagram, based on interactions and observations of the estate.  Writing workshops with residents were taking place, with a publication planned soon.

(vi)         Opportunities to join in online were available via the programme's website, where people could answer questions about home and belonging by drawing, writing, or uploading images.

(vii)        A community call-out for new panels (one for adults, one for young people aged 14 and over) was live, aiming to help imagine and shape future creative projects. Sessions were expected to start in July, mixing in-person and online formats, teaching people about public art to inform their decisions for future art in the area.  Information and postcards were included in the Berewood newsletter for June, in partnership with Grainger.

(viii)       A recent event, "Plot Lines in the Landscape," was held on 15^th June in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Dragonfly Arts, involving a walk of the nature reserve, pond dipping, map making and creative writing.

(ix)         Future plans and events included:

·         The first sessions for the community map panel were scheduled for July.

·         A season of workshops with older residents was also planned for July and August, in partnership with Wellington Vale care home and dates were currently being finalised.

·         An artist talk during heritage open days in September, linking a poetry event to the Winchester Poetry Festival in October, and offering online sessions over the winter months.

·         Regular meetings were being held with Havant’s Regeneration Team to explore crossovers with the town centre art project.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the Forum raised a number of matters which were responded to by the relevant officer’s present on the following points:

(a)        The attendance of the Arts Programme team at the Waterlooville     summer fete on 29^th June at Jubilee Park was suggested as        it          provided the opportunity to meet with local residents.

(b)        Positive feedback was provided on the "Plot Lines in the Landscape"          event, expressing amazement at the beauty of the nature reserve and           appreciation for the encouragement to engage in art. The         collaboration with the Southern Music Project was also warmly       welcomed involving all age groups in an imaginative and innovative            approach.

                        RESOLVED:

                                    That the presentation be received and the comments                          raised by the Forum, as set out above, be noted.