20Arts Development
Arts Development Officer' - Biography
Hi, my name is Jenny Davis, I am the Arts Development Officer
for Wychavon District Council. I am part of the Community
Development Team. I have been working in community arts and
education for over 16 years, particularly specialising in Drama and
Theatre and young people.
How can an Arts Development Officer benefit you?
History
Wychavon District Council has had
an Arts Development Officer for approximately twelve years and I
started in April 2007. Arts Development sits alongside Sports
Development in the Community Development Team, managed by Jem Teal.
I have over 20 years experience in the arts industry,
predominantly for theatres and working in youth theatre, with
children and young people aged 7-21 years. This was both as a
practitioner, director, producer and project manager so I have a
wealth of knowledge and experience.
Current role
- Advice and information for local artists and arts groups e.g.
funding advice, setting up a group, developing a group, raising the
profile of the group.
- Raising the profile of the arts in Wychavon and Worcestershire
e.g. Artworks newsletter
- Working in partnership with organisations and individuals to
achieve shared aims and objectives
- Working with others to develop more sustainable high quality
opportunities and access to creative activity, both as a
participant and as audience member, in particular young people and
in rural areas
- To act as a voice for the arts at a local level, County Council
level and the West Midlands and advocate for the arts where
possible
Present
Some of the arts projects that
Wychavon District Council are currently involved in are;
To summarise
How Arts Development Officer can benefit you is;
- Help, advise and guidance on a whole range of arts issues
- Share information about opportunities in the county and West
Midlands generally e.g. training, funding, performances etc.
Help to market your work through the artworks newsletter and
e-news
- Work in partnership to achieve similiar goals
- Work in a strategic, joined up way to avoid duplication and
increase possibilities through funding etc.
- Advocate on your behalf at a local, county and regional
level
- Give guidance on Safeguarding and
Protecting Children
What is Arts Development?
It is believed that the Arts are fundamental to the quality of
people's lives and we aim to provide opportunities for people to
spectate or participate in quality arts activities throughout the
district in a safe enviroment. These opportunities are irrespective
of age, ability, cultural background or circumstances.
The Arts cover a broad spectrum of activities, including
painting, literature, photography, new technology, drama, dance,
sculpture, music (classical and popular), and also covers all age
ranges from pre-school to post retirement.
The Aims of Arts within Wychavon are:
- To extend and increase the audience for and participation in
the arts, especially throughout the rural areas of the
District.
- Encourage the creation of new work and projects of the highest
possible standard.
- Raise awareness of external funding oportunities.
- Promote and raise the profile of the arts, including the
social, economic and educational value.
- Increase resources available to the arts through increased
cross-departmental working and external partnerships.
We achieve these aims through working in partnership with
individuals and organisations including:
-
County Arts Service - The Arts Matter - A strategy for The Arts
in Worcestershire
- Village Halls
- National Bodies (Arts Council England)
- Schools
- Worcestershire Arts Officers Group (WAOG), working with the
other Districts and County Councils of Worcestershire
- Amateur and voluntary organisations
The role of Arts Development is to develop and deliver a wide
range of arts activities throughout the Wychavon District Council
Area. To create sustainable projects and schemes that offer
opportunities for everyone.
Further Information
Jenny Davis
Arts Development
Officer
Tel 01386 565396
Email - jenny.davis@wychavon.gov.uk
Hours of work - Tues, Wed, Thurs 9-5pm
