Abstract

How might we assess the effects that increased arts activity has upon personal, social and intellectual development within a community context? Vital Communities sets out to answer this question. A unique mixed methods study was devised to assess the impacts of an intensified longitudinal creative intervention (2005-2010) upon children, their families and communities, in ten diverse locations across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. This illustrated seminar (including film) will describe the processes, outcomes and learning journey, as experienced by the Project Manager.

Susan Potter has a background in creative and cultural learning, with over 20 years experience of working with museums, galleries and arts organisations across the UK. Her specific expertise is in arts research and evaluation, with an emphasis upon the impacts of participation upon mental health and well-being. Evaluation commissions include: Look Group Network delivered by Tate St Ives; Outside In hosted by Pallant House Gallery; Catalyst delivered by the Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts, Fen Soundscapes, delivered by Britten Sinfonia and InMind delivered by the Royal Academy. She has acted as professional mentor to the Enquire Artist Bursary Programme and contributed a chapter to ‘The Responsive Museum: Working with Audiences in the 21st Century’.