Shropshire Arts Strategy
Eventus were commissioned to create a new cultural; strategy for Shropshire, shortly before the 2010 election.
Creativity
Given the anticipated changes politically and economically, we decided to base the consultation phase on a series of ‘talking tablecloths’ conversations. These took place in venues across the county and involved groups of councillors, artists, community groups and senior managers in focused sessions exploring the strengths, weakness and importance of the arts to Shropshire.
Impact
Results were fed back to the Arts Team at key points and married with more formal interviews with Directors and major stakeholders so they could refine their plans in the light of emerging changes .
Results
Significant changes in funding and staffing resulted in a very different arts service from the one that had originally commissioned the strategy. It was eventually agreed that a strategy was not appropriate at this time. However a summary of the consultation sessions was presented to staff so they could develop the service firmly based in local experience and needs.
“Eventus are able to reach into communities and provide local authorities with real insight into what's important to local people, what motivates them and what empowers individuals to take action.”
Sue Goodwin, Principal Arts Development Officer, Shropshire Council
