Update on our Arts Engagement & Outreach Programme: October 2024

Here’s a taste of what our Arts Engagement & Outreach team at The Octagon & Westlands have been busy working on this month…

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.

This October has seen hundreds of school students across South Somerset have the incredible opportunity to take part in workshops with internationally renowned, Dance and Circus company, Motionhouse. Plus, the launch of our Accessible Ticket Scheme, reopening of our Creative Commissions applications, inclusive pottery workshops and many more inspiring creative workshops.

Please read more below…

Octagon Academy: Participate

Young people sculpt their stories in clay

Funding from the Somerset Inclusive Fund enabled us to run open pottery workshops in conjunction with the Yeovil Literary Festival.  Deborah Clarke from Creative Clay for All, a specialist in working with all ages and abilities, led workshops for young people aged 6 - 18 who unleashed their creative flare to produce their very own autobiographical book covers. 20 young people attended the 90-minute sessions and learnt a range of techniques to design, sculpt, build and paint their own books out of clay to be fired in the kiln fired.  It was a calm environment which allowed everyone to work at their own pace, with emphasis on self-expression and creativity, creating an inclusive therapeutic atmosphere for all to enjoy.  Many parents stayed to support the young people and when asked for feedback on the best thing about the session, one young person replied, ‘Making things with my Mum’. After the sessions, it was lovely to see families stay and attend the David Walliams event as part of the Literary Festival.

Creative Learning & Education

Motionhouse inspires and moves students in the world of dance

This month four schools from South Somerset had the fantastic opportunity to work with internationally renowned, Dance and Circus company, Motionhouse.  Preston Academy, Buckler's Mead Academy, St Micheal's Academy and Neroche Primary School, each had a whole day workshop which started off watching a duet performed by two of Motionhouse’s dancers followed by a Q&A where students were able to find out how the piece was created, what it takes to rehearse and career pathways. For some students, it was the first time they saw a professional dance performance and their reactions to the lifts and movements made it a core memory for many. The day continued with workshops as led by Motionhouse’s team of professional dancers, which taught students and teachers alike, various techniques in dance and contact work. Later in the year Motionhouse will return to each school to build upon the base skills learnt and aid students to develop their own repertoire to perform on our regional stage at Westlands next year.

‘I had never seen or done much contemporary dance before today but now I've watched that performance I want to learn more and looking forward to the next workshop’ Year 9 student

Access & Inclusion Schemes

Accessible Ticket Scheme gives everyone the opportunity to experience the magic of live performances

We are thrilled to have launched our Accessible Ticket Scheme. This supports individuals of all ages to attend shows at The Octagon & Westlands, who might not be able to afford the opportunity otherwise. We have partnered with Abri housing to be able to offer their customers as well as the wider community £3 tickets to selected performances.

We will be offering more than 600 low priced tickets throughout the year for selected events to ensure that everyone in the community has the chance to experience the magic of live performance. From comedy to music, from plays to dance, and not forgetting our legendary pantomime.

This initiative enables residents from across the South West the opportunity to watch live performances whilst bringing people together, combating isolation, positively impacting mental health and wellbeing, all through the joy of the arts.

‘Our focus on the health and wellbeing of our customers shines through this initiative, helping to combat loneliness and improve mental health by providing access to such events.’ Lisa Hatfield, Abri’s Community Development Officer

Find out more about the scheme here: Accessible Ticket Scheme

Arts for Health & Wellbeing

New mums’ health & wellbeing flourishes within Time Together project

The Octagon and Westlands are working in partnership with the Bournemouth Symphany Orchestra (BSO) and The Balsam Centre to deliver Time Together in Wincanton. A specialist sensory and creative based music project aimed at parents feeling low after the birth of their child. Throughout Autumn, 9 mums and their babies aged 0-12months are enjoying this unique 8-week project in a safe and supportive environment. Each week, musicians from BSO lead the mums and their babies through high quality and accessible music-making, singing and bonding exercises, that evoke smiles, laughter and happiness from the babies, as well as the mums.

‘It's very important for us mums to be able to get out the house for our mental health. Music heals the heart!’ Participant

Talent Development

College students go behind the scenes at Yeovil’s Literary Festival

Our annual Yeovil Literary Festival was buzzing with well-known literary figures, book signings, fascinating talks and exciting new authors. As part of this event, two Yeovil College students were selected to be part of our work experience programme. They supported the operation team by carrying out many essential jobs, discovering how large-scale events are produced. One of the challenges was keeping up with the busy nature of this event, a task both our work experience students achieved. This is part of our Talent Development programme which delivers a range of work experience opportunities. 

‘[I am] very grateful for the experience… Experiencing what it's like to work in the theatre and meeting industry professionals for the first time.’ Work Experience Student

Artist Support

Supporting Artists in Somerset

We are delighted to announce our Creative Commissions programme has reopened for applications! Last year, through the Creative Commissions programme, we supported six creative projects, professional creatives and companies working in a mix of artforms to develop innovative ideas that reach and engage Somerset’s residents. We are pleased to announce that this year we can support eight projects to come to fruition.

This opportunity is open to emerging and experienced artists working across all art forms with a creative idea that will both reach and engage Somerset’s residents. More information can be found on our Artist Support page.  Applicants are welcome to contact us should you have further questions. Applications will close on the 25th November 2024. 

“It’s been so helpful to have your support – I couldn’t have done it without you.” Emma Randall, Creative Commission Recipient 2023-24

“Feels like we have made a proper start now, thank you for your encouragement.”  Vic Llewellyn, Creative Commission Recipient 2023-24

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.