In Our Neighbourhood: A Regional Theatre and Its Local Community (Culture makes communities) Book

Recent amendments to the funding of local theatres reflect the importance of their role in community development. This book examines a project by a major regional theatre that undertook to become more involved with its local residential community, and to explore new ways of working in partnership. It offers a revealing portrait of the reality of community involvement. The West Yorkshire Playhouse at Leeds undertook a year-long project working with residents of the neighbouring Ebor Gardens estate. The objectives were to increase the range and quality of products and services provided for the community, to increase take-up by the community of these products and services, and to increase staff awareness of and commitment to the Playhouse's role within the local community. This study charts the development of the project, from initial meetings and events to a review of the successes and failures of the year's work. It draws on interviews with all the participants, and reflects on the impact on both parties. The project threw up a number of key factors necessary to the development of a successful working relationship, and also revealed a strong latent interest in theatre attendance amongst local residents. How the project was experienced both by residents and theatre workers is both surprising and encouraging, and this lively report will provide food for thought both for arts organizations involved in community action, and for regeneration organisations looking to diversify their approach.Read More