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| a catalyst for change |
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| nesa believes that quality arts practice is a powerful tool for neighbourhood regeneration and personal transformation. The Neighbourhood Arts programme develops and delivers high quality participatory arts projects that enable excluded individuals to focus on their own creativity or to collaborate creatively to change their circumstances and surroundings. We bring together people who might not ordinarily meet, help them find common strengths, goals and interests and develop their skills and confidence. In so doing, we help to reconnect them with their communities and promote social cohesion and renewal. |
| Arts projects developed in consultation with community groups and organisations initiate a creative process with participants which is supported by artists who have a commitment to socially engaged practise. |
| nesa's work supports the ambitions of BANES's Corporate Plan and Community Strategy. We have recently completed long-term arts development initiatives in Chew Valley and Keynsham, consolidating successful projects and handing them over to local organisations for ongoing sustainability. |
| In 2006-09 we will be focusing our work within areas that have been identified by the Council as experiencing specific barriers to improvement, supporting wider regeneration and renewal initiatives in these areas. Over the next 3 years we expect to continue our long-standing work in South Bath and Norton Radstock, build on pilot projects in Peasedown St John and develop new projects in Foxhill, Bath. An emerging partnership with Somer Community Housing offers the exciting potential to develop innovative projects in social housing areas across the district. |
| A strong community spirit and greater involvement of residents is a vital element in the development of safer and stronger communities. |
| partnerships |
| nesa is committed to developing a multi-agency approach to neighbourhood development and has worked in South Bath, Keynsham and Chew Valley as part of wide ranging partnership groups for many years. Recent projects have addressed heritage and environmental issues, encouraged local people to get more active, provided support workers and carers with the skills and confidence to set up creative activities with their own groups and enabled local groups to develop sustainable initiatives that continue to survive post nesa involvement. |
"nesa plays an important role in our community by giving people of all ages the opportunity to express themselves through art. nesa has been working with the community for many years and reaching out to all age groups. I wish them well in exploring new ways to expand the excellent service they give to Bath & NE Somerset residents. Norton Radstock Town Council and Bath & NE Somerset Council support the important work that nesa undertakes."
Cllr Phyllis Gay - Radstock and B&NES Councillor and former Chairman of B&NES Council (05/06) |
