DEVELOPMENT AND OUTREACH

Background

Outreach is now an integral part of Flaxart’s activities and connects the residency and graduating student programmes with a wider audience as well as developing projects in collaboration with local groups. Flaxart has a track record of engaging with communities from areas defined under TSN.

For the past 3 years, Flaxart has worked in partnership with community groups in the Cliftonville, Waterworks, Carrick Hill and Newington areas on participatory projects mainly aimed at young people. Current Programme In 2009 Flaxart aims to involve a larger section of the community in its outreach projects by involving all ages in the developmental stages of the projects and by pitching them as a tool that can benefit everyone.

Community organisations are often overstretched in terms of resources but if the arts are seen in the context of wider community development then projects can be devised that address pertinent community issues such as:

• Anti-Social Behavior
• Environmental Concerns
• Policing
• Poor Housing & Infrastructure
• Redevelopment
• Education

Flaxart has encouraged an interest in the arts amongst new audiences and has built up strong community relationships over the past four years. Existing partnerships in the Carrick Hill, Newington, Cliftonville and Waterworks areas will continue during 2008-2009. New projects will be developed early in 2009 and we will also continue to connect our Outreach Activities with the Residency Programme. Information on our most recent project ROUND THE BENDS can found at www.bebo.com/roundthebends