Activate

Activate was a training and business development programme for artists and creative practitioners in the East Midlands who wish to work professionally in schools and other formal education environments, such as Pupil Referral Units.

Activate was managed by Arts Training Central and delivered by ‘County Agents’.

The County Agents were;

DerbyshireQUAD (formerly Q-Arts)

LeicestershireMantle Community Arts

LincolnshireFirebird Trust and lincolnshire Dance

Northamptonshire Arts Development Team

NottinghamshireCity Arts

Each County Agent ensured that the project met the needs of artists in their geographical area, and effectively linked with the local arts education networks and schools, as well as regional and national schemes such as Creative Partnerships and the Arts Education Officers.

Activate aims to provide participants with an understanding of current initiatives in education, to give guidance on marketing techniques, general good practice, and other professional skills necessary for working with educational institutions.

The programme included a personal diagnostic interview to help establish direction, objectives, and priorities and referral interview at the end of the programme to support in moving further forward; both one-to-one and peer-group support; seminars covering business development, project development and sector knowledge; and background materials. Participants also had access to support systems and events which linked them with potential customers in the educational market place, such as local and regional Arts Education Trade Fairs.

Activate was funded by the European Social Fund and Arts Council England and was free to participants living or working in the East Midlands.