http://www.demos.co.uk/projects/qualityassurance/ en-us Copyright 2008 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:23:07 -0100 Latest items from Making Good Work on http://www.demos.co.uk/ - the thinktank for everyday democracy Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:23:07 -0100 http://www.demos.co.uk/items/9921 http://www.demos.co.uk/items/9921 launching our new pamphlet, Making Good Work with Estelle Morris.  It's at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland.  The event runs from 1.30-2.30.

As well as launching the pamphlet, though, the event will also feature the work of some of the pupils to whom we talked during the research.  This will include photographic work, recordings of performances of some of the dance projects on which hey worked, and videos of the play, Mary Lou and the Ice Cream Pirates, which they directed.

All this work was produced with different audiences, public and educational in mind and this event is about bringing it to other audiences.  The pupils will be speaking about the work, explaining how and why it fits into their lives.  Ultimately, it's a chance not only for them to showcase their work, but also for these different audiences to recognise its many qualities.
]]> Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:13:03 -0100 samuel[dot]jones@demos[dot]co[dot]uk ( Sam Jones ) http://www.demos.co.uk/items/7723 http://www.demos.co.uk/items/7723 Charlie's comment below, I think that his story connects pretty strongly with a more general awareness amongst public, politicians and companies alike that the arts and culture are more than just add ons and things that make life generally pretty.

The framework public value of the arts and culture - cultural value - is a way of articulating the benefit that our museums, theatres, concert halls, artists and a wide range of other organisations and individuals.

This recognition is international.  The outgoing CEO of the Australia Council, Jennifer Bott, spoke recently of 'positioning the arts at the heart of society'.  She quotes Jacques Chirac's recognition that the arts and culture can 'promote the importance of breaking down barriers, of openness and mutual understanding against the clash of identities and the mentality of closure and segregation'.  As the world changes around us, the arts and culture have a hugley important role to play. 

In answer to Charlie's question, I'd say that the relationship is in part similar to that enabled by Creative Partnerships and other schemes by which our young people can benefit by working with artists.  Such arrangements aren't just about inspiration - they are about encouraging new, creative ways of thinking and tackling chalenges.  They are about offering the opportunity to express oneself and make an impact in the world.  Earlier this year, the Minister for Culture, David Lammy, spoke of 'cultural democracy': the cultural literacy and confidence that such schemes bring will be essential to this.  It's an idea we're working on here.

Today, Education Secretary Alan Johnson is expected to speak of extending the school week to Saturday mornings.  This time, he suggests, could be used for the arts.  I can't comment on the policy of extending school hours to the weekend.  However, on the idea of bolstering the arts and culture within schools I think is essential.  Maybe not in the potential ghetto of a Saturday morning, but essential.
]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2006 10:07:11 -0100 samuel[dot]jones@demos[dot]co[dot]uk ( Sam Jones )