Curious Minds

Exploring Collaboration Workshop

On Monday 09 May we attended the Exploring Collaboration Workshop at The Storey Creative Industries Centre in Lancashire hosted by All About Audiences. 

The aim of this meeting was to provide an opportunity for Lancashire arts organisations to begin thinking about the opportunities and possibilities presented by collaborative working. Organisations gave a very quick overview of their current funding situation, revealing that most have had cuts in funding from different sources.  Some organisations now need to plan for operation independent of Arts Council England (ACE).

All About Audiences said: "This will be a challenging year, trying to run the business and plan for a different future at the same time. We are all part of the cultural ecology - what weakens one part weakens the whole.  Working together is crucial" A statement all here at Curious Minds agrees with wholeheartedly as partnership working underpins everything we do.

What was apparent at the meeting was a very strong intention to help each other in the areas we lack resources or skills. We shared a list of particular skills and resources our organisations could offer for free, barter for other skills or offer as a paid service. What was quite apparent is the whole sector in Lancashire is rich and vibrant, regardless of cuts or the awarding of grants from ACE. 

In the next few weeks we enter talks with ACE and the other 9 'Bridge' organisations across England to establish what our role and remit will be from April 2012.  What we do know currently is Curious Minds will play a huge role in ensuring that part of the rich offering of cultural activity for children and young people is signposted and encouraged right across the North West. Workshops like the one above is a starting point to start to share our resources and build a strong infrastructure right across the North West.