Derby Theatre's Community program 'DT Communities' has been championing the ambition and voices of local communities, with thanks to funding from Big Lotto Reaching Communities fund.
One area of focus has been on developing Community Steering Groups in driving relevant events and supporting skills development to enhance community cohesion, city aspirations and access to relevant creative and cultural events in the city.
DT Communities has been:
- taking on board community feedback in providing opportunities for local people to have a say in what happens in their area
- providing quality, creative, and skills-based training opportunities for local people to develop skills relevant to them
- opening up the way arts and cultural events are organised in the city
- recognising the value and uniqueness of the wide range of cultural and creative ambition in the city.
Community hubs and steering groups
DT Communities are immensely proud to support two community hubs, one based in Normanton and one in Stockbrook, Derby.
These groups regularly meet to program a monthly cycle of shows and events, harnessing their own ideas and interests curated by the voices and people that live, work and socialise in these areas.
In acknowledging and embracing the diverse needs, experiences and interests of the people that make up our wonderful city, we have been encouraged to see and hear the positive change that these steering groups have made in their communities, the growth of social capital and the fruition of their individual aspirations as skilled community organisers.
The impact of the bespoke events they have programmed, from local artists to national tours, has redefined what is on offer to the people of Derby and celebrated local interests in a flourish of creative and cultural variety.
They have facilitated the growth of city connections, engaged local businesses and connected people to resources to widen community connections that are continuously developing and fostering collaborations with a new wave of people who attend, contribute to, and volunteer at the events.
Placing control in the hands of those who live, work and socialise in those places, the steering groups have started to build a momentum of pride, collective learning and trust in authentic ambition for social development. DT Communities is delighted to be building on existing relationships that have developed over the past several years and encouraging new voices to get involved who desire more opportunities to make a difference in their area, and provide a toolkit to community members who want to run their own groups or development to continue existing work.
Through Derby Theatre's place in the local community, our values strongly recognise and reflect the importance of elevating local voices, being inclusive of thoughts and experiences that might otherwise go under the radar. We feel that best practice starts with local people, but also lifts people along the way with opportunities to develop and grow on a path that is reflective of who they are and what they need to enhance personal development and city aspirations.
DT communities is just one of the projects that embeds our mission to serve the community in which we are situated. As well as our work with adults, we are also incredibly proud of the project work our young people (CANVAS), Plus One, DT Ambassadors and the participants across all our creative and artistic learning programs contribute to shaping the theatre and building partnerships and lives across the city and beyond.
Creating opportunities through training and development
Derby Theatre (DT) Communities have been creating opportunities for local community members, businesses, organisations and civic-run spaces to take part in a bespoke, ongoing series of training and professional/personal development influenced by the community according to their needs.
Place-based practice is fundamental to DT Communities, particularly in the areas of Normanton and Stockbrook, where community steering groups play a key role in planning and delivering creative and cultural events important to them and the community in those areas.
To effectively support these ambitions, it is essential to nurture the development and well-being of those engaged. As a result, community members gain confidence and are empowered to lead and support broader initiatives and groups across the city, contributing to a culture of sustainability and constantly evolving social impact.
In responding to the needs of our steering groups and the voices of the wider community, we encourage anyone involved in the steering groups to drive the content and logistics of our planned training program. This could be training that is beneficial to help them make decisions, plan projects, host events or could be around public engagement, personal development or health and safety.
From practicalities of building safety, training on how to use specific equipment or mental health wellbeing and sign-posting to interpersonal skills like gathering feedback and talking to members of the public, we hand the autonomy over to the community to program training in areas they believe are relevant or know would be a benefit to the community.
Quotes from participants
"I spoke to other members of the audience after the show that I would never have met or chatted with otherwise!"
"Gathering with others, making new friends have all been great outcomes of these events."
"The DT communities events are varied and happen in lots of different areas in Derby. I have notice them advertised and see photos of how you have supported people come together."
Each year, the DT Communities steering groups play a key role in shaping and planning the content and schedule of our training policy. They determine what topics will be included and how these can be applied to upcoming events, either within the DT Communities program or wider across the city. Additionally, we share insights on regulations and laws that may affect these events and collaboratively discuss the broader impact that these planned sessions can have on the community.
Quotes from participants
"Both sessions were excellent. I was reassured to realise how much I already know, and it was inspiring to be in a room full of like-minded individuals." - Marketing training participant
"It was a good course and quite informative, being over two days. Learning important skills that can save someone's life is very important, especially when organising events." - First Aid training participant
"An excellent course that is informative and helps people to understand an invisible illness, which is still misunderstood. People who took part gained a lot from it."- Tanvir, Mental Health and First Aid training participant
"It was very helpful to understand how people who are deaf struggle with certain things in life and how we can make life easier for them." Tanvir, British Sign Language course participant
Events, workshops and shows
The DT communities program offers various opportunities for individuals and local communities to participate in events, workshops and programming shows, allowing them to continue to influence and shape the cultural landscape of Derby both in and out of the theatre building. Events have included:
- talks and Q&As
- musical concerts
- plays
- poetry
- painting
- showcasing local artistic work
- specially curated events highlighting local culture like our United colours of Derby fashion show.
Quotes from participants
"the accessibility and variety of events means that more people have been able to take part and get involved."
"Valuable community support and bring a sense of togetherness as everyone that attends has a shared connection."
"The locations have been accessible and suited to the activity. I feel you have created connections using the arts to bring people together, to entertain, care and inspire participants of all ages and ethnic backgrounds."
"Thank you for providing these opportunities for the community. I’ve personally benefitted from the numerous events I’ve attended, whether it be training courses or simply been entertained by the fun events I’ve attended. Some of these events have also been a great opportunity to network and connect with other like-minded people in the community."
Get involved
If you are aged 18+ and would like to get involved with or find out more about the Normanton or Stockbrook steering groups, please contact Kasia at dtcommunities@derby.ac.uk or get in touch with Derby Theatre's box office.
