Arts Engagement & Outreach: January News

Our Arts Engagement & Outreach team develop and deliver programmes and activities that benefit health and wellbeing, enrich learning and education in and outside school, inspire and celebrate talent. Creating work that will support local artists and tell “local stories”. In everything we do and programme we will seek to improve inclusion and remove barriers, whatever they may be, so that everyone is able to enjoy and benefit from the creative arts.

Our Arts Engagement & Outreach team look to provide more opportunities for our communities to watch, take part and benefit from arts and cultural activities where they live.

January has been a busy month for the team, with activity and projects taking place across Somerset, from workshops for students and teachers in school to the launch of 3 health & wellbeing projects, read more below…

Arts for Health & Wellbeing

This month we have launched three health & wellbeing projects in three different locations across the county.

In Langport we have introduced Parkinson’s Dance, a creative movement-based project, designed specifically to address the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Sessions are led by a team of two specially trained practitioners, using the Parkinson’s Dance Science model - a marriage of physiotherapy and creative dance with researched and evidenced underpinnings. Sessions feature a variety of dance styles, focusing on: posture, strength, coordination, balance, creativity, suppleness and most of all, fun. Participants will be supported throughout with seated and standing options, plus time to connect and chat over a free cup of tea or coffee at the end of every session.

Over in Merriott near Chard, in partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), we are bringing a 10-week music-making project to ARK at Egwood. The Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra is a music-making project aimed at adults who have reported mental health challenges or would like extra support. 13 participants have been refereed into the project by ARK at Egwood and The WATCH Project in Chard. The Wellbeing Orchestra gives adults the opportunity to listen to, create and play music alongside other people in a safe and supportive environment. A trio of BSO musicians will lead participants in creative music making with a focus on connection with green space to positively impact participants mental health and wellbeing. No prior musical experience is required, and these weekly sessions are free to participants to take part in. Nigel Bell, CEO at ARK at Egwood said: “This is an exciting opportunity for people attending ARK to engage in a fun musical activity, to experience the power of music and creativity for good mental wellbeing. It is also a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working and collaboration.”

Here in Yeovil we have launched our project, Movement Through Cancer, a movement and dance class designed specifically for people living with or at any point of their cancer journey. Movement Through Cancer, is a new unique project led by a team of specially trained facilitators with support of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. The creative dance and movement-based sessions are an opportunity for those affected by cancer to explore moving and dancing to music in a relaxed, uplifting and fun environment. Sessions have been carefully designed to address some of the consequences and challenges that can be presented with cancer, and effects of treatment. Participants are supported throughout the sessions with seated and standing options, plus time to connect and chat over a free cup of tea or coffee at the end of every session. 13 participants attended the free taster session, as well an Oncology Nurse, and two Cancer Support Workers. The impact of these sessions is evident:

“Really enjoyed the session, before the session I was feeling quite stiff and heavy. I felt much better after – mood elevated and feeling lighter – I do think it has helped with the lymphatics in my arm. Thank you!”

 Creative Learning & Education

This month, as part of our education partnership with secondary schools, Year 9 and 10 students from Preston Academy, Yeovil and Stanchester Academy, Stoke Sub Hamdon, were welcomed to Westlands Entertainment Venue. Over 45 students took part in a professional drama workshop run by Wise Children Theatre Company. The students explored devising techniques, improvisational games to create theatre and stepped out of their comfort zone to create. It was inspiring to watch the students apply themselves and jump straight in.

“Having the opportunity for our students to work with inspirational artists such as Tom and John from Wise Children is invaluable in professionalising our young people. Not only is it great to give them new experiences, but for them to collaborate and play with Wise Children helps skill them up for their GCSE as well as offer careers experience. Thank you for Westlands for leading on such a great programme!” Dan Morgan – Head of Performing Arts at Stanchester Academy

Also in January, we invited world-class dance, theatre and circus company, Motionhouse, to deliver a continued professional development (CPD) session for teachers and artists, hosted at Westfield Academy in Yeovil. The session explored moving, lifting, counterbalance, partner work and dance phrases choreographed by the company. In true Motionhouse style, the work was physical, fun, risk taking and Frank and Betty from the company created a perfect environment in which to play and learn. Teachers came away with new ideas, skills and content to take back to their classroom.

Also in January, we invited world-class dance, theatre and circus company, Motionhouse, to deliver a continued professional development (CPD) session for teachers and artists, hosted at Westfield Academy in Yeovil. The session explored moving, lifting, counterbalance, partner work and dance phrases choreographed by the company. In true Motionhouse style, the work was physical, fun, risk taking and Frank and Betty from the company created a perfect environment in which to play and learn. Teachers came away with new ideas, skills and content to take back to their classroom.

Motionhouse also worked with students from Holyrood School in Chard. A total 28 students ranging from Year 7 to 11 got to collaborate in a day of dance, movement & creativity, learning lifts and tricks from the company’s repertoire. Frank and Betty from the company instilled confidence, leading exercises that saw students completely engaged in the work and tasks, with many working with new peers and from other year groups.

“The workshop with Motionhouse engaged students from year 7 to year 11 from Holyrood. It was amazing to see some of our more shyer children grow in confidence throughout the workshop and work with students who they may not ordinarily get the opportunity to work with. Pupils from all walks of life, some facing major life challenges, came into the workshop feeling under confident and nervous about the workshop. By the end they had made new connections, gained confidence and was 100% committed to the work and dance. These workshop experiences are inspiring and life impacting.” Kelly Druce - Dance Teacher at Holyrood Academy, Chard

Talent Development

Applications for The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue Work Experience programme are now open.  This year we are running our work experience programme for Year 10 students from 22-26 July and Year 12 & 13 students from 8-12 April. Over the course of the week, up to 15 participants will spend time with staff learning all aspects of both our venues, from  our Arts Engagement & Outreach, Programming, Box Office, Front of House, Marketing, Finance, Events and Technical teams. Applications close at midnight on Monday 19th February 2024.

For more info and how to apply: Octagon & Westlands Work Experience Programme

Artist Support

Since September 2023, we have offered advice and mentoring for 30 creative artists living across Somerset working across a range of artforms including theatre, dance, circus, photography, film, creative writing & participatory arts. They’ve been a mix of young, aspiring, early-career and established professionals many of whom work independently and some of whom are part of their own companies. These have been artists seeking professional development support developing their own projects, fundraising advice or building relationships with others.

Octagon Academy: Participate

Earlier this month we hosted a Taster Day inviting the public to try out some of our participation classes at Westlands Entertainment Venue for a £1 per class.  Over the day we had 16 different classes on offer for a complete mixture of ages and abilities, it was an ideal opportunity to start the new year trying something new.  From toddlers taking part in the pre-school dance class, or adults joining in with the Octagon Choir or learning some Bollywood Dance there really was something for everyone.  Over 140 participants took part during the day, with many participants coming out of the taster class and instantly booking on to our regular weekly classes.

It was a busy day with many families choosing to spend the day at the venue, with different members of the family dipping in and out of the activities.  “Thank you for a wonderful day, we all loved it – such a wonderful idea!”.  “That was great can I come again next week?!”  “Amazing class, haven’t danced for 25 years!”

Access & Inclusion Schemes

We have been offering support for low-income households and children on Free School Meals to attend our participatory programme free with thanks to funding from Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) & Arts Council England (ACE). The impact of this support in terms of elevating barriers and creating an inclusive environment is evident by this parents review: “The support that The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue have been able to give my son through attending holiday activities and now weekly classes has made such a difference.  As a parent seeing your child suffer anxiety because of bullying is heartbreaking, the difference in him now is amazing.  He feels comfortable going into the venue and has a sense of belonging and being valued.  He has his spark back.”

To keep up to date with all the activities coming up head over to the What’s On section on our website or check out our Participate page which will link you to all our projects and upcoming opportunities.