live:projects services: culture

live:projects

Impactfulandcreativeresearch andstorytellingfor creative changemakers

ALondon-basedresearch bureauwiththestrategic awarenessofanagency andtheattentivenessof freelance

ChrisHayes,LeadResearchConsultant

13years+ofprojectconsultancy.Broad-crosssectorexperience acrossthecreativeandculturalsectors,youthandeducation,sport andleisure,tourismandplace,communityservices,andlocal government.MRSAdvancedCertificateinMarketandSocial Research;CPDinCivicDesignandCulturalInfrastructurewith Bartlett;SocialValueUKMember;SocialResearchAssociation Member;LocalGovernmentInformationUnitAssociate.

HudaAwan,ResearchAssistant

Hudabringsabringsawealthofexperienceinresearchand communicationsgainedthroughworkingwitharts,culture andnonprofitorganisations,mostrecentlyOpenCityDocumentaryFestival.She hasadistinctioninadvancedqualitativeandquantitativemethods throughherMSc fromUCLin2019.

Friendsand Partners

SuzieCampbell,TheFriendlyCFOandSelena Bolingbroke(StrategyandFinance),CommonVision (Youth/YoungPeopleEngagementLeadsand IntergenerationalThinkTank), ThePeople Speak (CommunityConnectors andTalkshowhosts, UndrLndn (filmandmediacollective),MeaningfulMarketing(Social MediaandMarketingExperts),FreedomWorksUK (CommunityCoachingandLeadership)

Wefuseresearchand consultancywith storytelling,creativity, andimpactjournalismto bringaboutpositive change.

Weexisttobeof servicetocreative changemakersand placeshapers.…

Barbican

BeaconMuseum

BritishLibrary

CommonVision

Copeland Council

Crenamic

Creative Youth

Culture Mile

Culture Syndicates

Foundationfor Future

London

FreedomWorks UK

FriendlyCFO

MetaValueStrategy

Consultingand

Sighthound

FusionFutures

Future Makers

Goldsmiths

GreatSpeechWriters

IVE(BridgeOrganisation)

KentFoundation

LGiUInternational

LeytonstoneLovesFilm

MuseumofLondon

Oxford House

Playnice

RMResearch

SocialFixt

SoloTrvlr

The Line

The PeopleSpeak

Universityof theArts

London

Universityof EastAnglia

WandsworthArtsFringe

WomenOver 50Film

Festival

Workfinder

Weare proudto haveworked with…

Cultureandcreativityisthe soulandfabricofour communities. Campaign-ledcreative practicesandpurposeful businessesarehelpingus engagewith andmakesenseof theworldinfreshandexciting ways,drivingcreativesolutions to someofthemostpressing challengesofour times.

Creativeplaceshapers,with a unique perspectiveon local needs,mustjoin thedotsand designwith communitiesto shapeauthentic programmes, events,andplacesandspaces builtonconnection, creativity, sustainabilityandwellbeing.

Wearepassionateabout bricolagingresearchand consultancymethodswith impactjournalismand storytellingto helpour clients andpartners builddeeper connections withtheir audiences&communities,plan andprogrammewithimpact, (re)imagine thriving programmes,events,places andspaces,andevaluate impactandsocialvaluein meaningfulandcost-effective ways. Our decadesworth of experience spansaudience research,strategyandbusiness planning,andevaluationand storytellingprojects with cultural organisations,creative partnerships,cultural incubators,city-widecreative placesshapers,aswellas supportingnationalresearch.

Business planningand strategy

Businessmodelling,strategyandplanning.Drawing onabroadtoolkitofresearchandconsultancy methods,we helpour clientsunderstandtheirimpact andoperatingcontextsandworkcollaborativelywith theirteamstodeveloprealisticandrobustplansand modelsforthefuture.

Literatureandrapidresearchreviews,supportedby fact-findinginterviewsandconversationstohelp clientsdevelopadeeperunderstandingofkeyissues, needsandoperatingcontexts.

Wesupportprogressiveprojectsandcampaignswith insightandevidenceonthe issues,voicesandcauses thatmatter.Outputs caninclude:briefings,thought pieces,evidencereports,consultationsubmissions, monitoringandhorizonscans,presentationsand facilitatedsessions.

Wegroundour researchin:what’sso(thefacts, trendsandevidence);what’ssaid(theissues,voices andlivedexperiences);whatworks(learning,best practiceandinnovation),andwhat’snext(future possibilitiesandscenarios).

R&DProjects

Evidenceand issuereviews

Comparativeresearch,learning,benchmarkingand bestpracticewithmarketinsightandmodellingto informdesignconcepts–usingasolutionsor impact journalismapproachtogetunder thesurfaceof successfulcomparativeprojectsandunderstand deeperunderstories,intersectionalitiesand relationships.Secondaryresearchservicesand baselinedataanalysistoidentifytheneeds,priorities anddriversinalocalarea..

Eventsand festival audience researchand evaluation

Weworkwithandalongsidecreativeteamsto documentandtellthestoryofcommunity-powered eventsandfestivals,capturingthestoriesanddatato helpfestivalteamsprogrammeanddevelopthriving eventsandfestivalsthataligntoanddeliverwider socialandeconomicgoals.

Our methodsarecreativeandinvolvethetalents, practices,andresearchskillsoftheartistsand partnersinvolved,plusimpactjournalism,filmand photography.Our servicescanbetailoredtomeet theneedsofeventsandfestivalsofallshapesand sizes.

Weco-ordinatecommunity-centredresearch, listeningandstorytellingprojectstohelpour clients developadeeperunderstandingoftheirvisitorsand audiences,informingrobustaudiencedevelopment plansandstrategies.

Audience researchand development.

Workingwithyouandyour teamcollaborativelyto designorrefreshyour theoryofchangeandbuildan evaluationframeworkforyour eventor festival.

Theoryof Changeand Framework Design

Trainingand capacity building

Bitesizeworkshopsandtrainingfor staff,creative teamsandartistscoveringarangeoftopicsdrawing onour decadesworthofexperience:introductionto researchandevaluation;theoryofchangeand planning;researchandcreativemethods; storytelling;marketing;businessplanning;social valueandimpactmeasurement.

https://www.slideshare.net/ChrisHayes76322

Observation

Often,therichest,mostdiverse,andmostvaluable feedbackfromvisitors,audiences,andparticipants canbeheardatyour cafes,bars,ticketandbox officesandduringyoureventsandactivities.When artistsandcreativesarestretchedindelivery,oftenit isyourstaffteamandvolunteerswhoarebest placedtodocumentimpact,reactionsandidentify learning. Wehaveworkedwithteamstodesignand createsimpleandcreativelivetoolsforcapturing richobservationalandreflectionfeedback.

CheckoutourFeedbackand ObservationJournalfor VenuesandCreativeshere

Fromnarrativeandstorytellingapproachestosocial valueauditing,we areskilledathelpingour clients understandandcommunicatetheirimpactand legacyandtelltheirstoriesinmeaningfulandcosteffectivewaysbuiltondialogueandtrust.Weare skilledatco-ordinatingstorytellingprojects,training storycollectors,providingguidancefor 1:1 conversations,andworkingwithwriterstoturn conversationsintorichnarrativesthatcanbe discussedandsharedforevaluationpurposes.

We’vebeeninspiredandinfluencedbyArtsattheOld FireStation’sstorytellingmethodologyforrich person-centreddatacollection,EmmaWarren’s ‘documentyour culture’manifesto,HelenKara’swork oncreativeresearchmethods,the solutions journalismtrendintheUS,evaluationinplacemaking, alongside12+years’experienceinresearchand consulting.

Storytelling

WorkingwithCarolineWilsonandUndrLdn,we can offercompletecoverageofyour programme,event orfestivalwithhigh-qualityfilmingandvoxpop interviewingforlegacyandevaluation.Outputs can includeanonlinearchivewithshortinterviewswith audiencemembersandartists/creatives,alegacy videoandshortreelsfor socials. Wehavebeen workingcloselywithCarolineandhernetwork,and shareinanambitionandartisticvisiontocreate moreauthenticfilmsthatcentrethevoicesofthose involved,trainandskillpeopleinDIYfilmingand research,andweaveinaudiencesandcreativesown filmingonphonesintotheendproduct.

Filmandvox pop interviews

Creative Provocation

By carefullycraftingarangeofconsultationsand provocationswithcreativeflair,our aimistoignite ideas,fosterconnection,andinspiretheimaginations ofyour audiences.Wearepassionateabout engagingpeoplethroughartisticexpression,visual storytelling,andcreativemethodsofpublic consultation.Weareinspiredbyvisualartistand researcherOrlyOrbachwhoisdedicatedtoutilizing theartsasaninspiringandinnovativewayof engagingcommunitiesandsparkingcreativity.

Talkaoke–Popuptalk show

WeworkcloselywithThePeopleSpeakandhave foundtheirTalkaoketobeabrilliantwayofengaging peopleateventsandfestivals,bringingpeople togethertochataboutthetopicsthatmatterto them,andinformingresearchandevaluationactivity.

Talkaokeisapopup talkshowwhereanycansit downandairtheirviewsaroundthetableofchat. Talkoakeisafunandexcitingwaytohaveadebate, conversationor discussionaboutthethingsthat mattertoyou.Talkaokeisaprojectbytheartist collectiveThePeopleSpeak.

www.talkaoke.com

www.thepeoplespeak.org

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Creativeresearch,evaluationand storytellingfortheBarbican’s communityprogrammesintheCity andEastLondon

TheBarbican’s inspiring Communitiesand Neighbourhoods Teamnurtures relationshipswiththe artsvenue’slocal communitiesto improveeveryone’s accesstothearts.

CreativeNeighbourhoodsis theteam’sworkwiththe Barbican’sneighbours, ensuringtheartsvenue playsanactiverolein helpingthediverseecologies ofculture andcreativity aroundus tothrive.The

team’sworkintheCityof LondonincludesTheImagine Fund,acommunitygrantmaking&supportinwhich decisionsaboutfundingare madebythecommunity themselves,andenabling theCommunityImpact

Collective,acollectiveof leadersworkingwith communitiesintheCityof London,dedicatedto strengtheningand advocatingforvalues-led communityworkinthelocal area.

Theteam’sCommunitiesIn Residenceprogrammesees theteamworkingwithlocal creativeorganisationsand supportingthemtohost workshopsandactivitiesfor theirmembersand communitiesinthe Barbican’sspacesand facilitiesandlearning togetherhowtomakethe spacesmorewelcomingfor everyone.Current collaboratorsand communitiesinresidence include:HeadwayEast London,WeAreParable, Accumulate,Phosphoros Theatre,FlourishingLives, andBabesinDevelopment.

Wehavebeenworking closelywiththeteamtohelp evaluateandtellthestoryof theirworkwithlocal communitiesduring,though andafterthepandemic, includingthedistributionof creativeresourcesand activitypackstolocal residentsandfamilies(Play andImaginePacks)andthe developmentoftheImagine Fund,toseedcreative projectsandcausesledby localresidents.

Researchactivitieshave included:

• Overseeingparticipatory, community-led storytellingapproaches involvingtherecruitment andtrainingoflocalstory collectors

• Communityreflection sessionsandsurveys

• Depthinterviewsand conversationswithstaff members

• Facilitatinginternaland external‘storydiscussion days’

• Storyandnarrative analysis, leadingto storytellingreportsand newtheoriesofchange.

Wealsosupportedaparallel evaluationofthe LeytonstoneLovesFilm Festival(seecasestudy here)usingacreativeand community-ledstorytelling approachinvolvingLLF filmmakers,exhibitorsand creatives

Wehaveprovidedongoing supporttotheteam,helping tobuildcapacityin participatorystorytelling,

andco-ordinatingtheir evaluationsofthe

CommunityImpact Collectiveandthelatest iterationsofthe Imagine Fund,thistimefocusingon listeningtotheexperiences andperspectivesofthe grant’spanelmembers.The workhashelpedtheteam developthenextiterationsof theCICandImagineFund, buildcapacityintheteam, andgrowanetworkof trainedartists,creativesand communitymemberswith skillsinstorytelling.

Morerecently,we havebeen pleasedtoworkwith HeadwayEastLondonto deliverskillstrainingin interviewingandstory collecting,toenableastoryledevaluationofdifferently various,Headwayandthe Barbican’sbrilliant, multifacetedexhibitionand publicprogrammeinthe Curve,whichshared perspectivesandopen conversationsaboutbrain injury.

Creativeevaluationand storytellingfor WandsworthArtsFringe +

WandsworthArts

Fringeburstsintolife for17brilliantdays eachJune,shakingup SouthWestLondon withaneclectic programme ofarts& culturethatthrills, movesandinspires audiencesfrom acrossthecity..

Since2010,WAFhasbrought togetherhundredsof creativesinaboldand boundary-pushingannual line-upofcutting-edge theatreandcomedy, exquisitemusicconcerts,art exhibitions,experimental performanceart,outdoor art extravaganzas,and everythinginbetween, takingplaceacrossthe borough.:

Wearedelightedtobe workingwiththeinspiringWAF team,helpingtotellthestory ofthisyear’sFringe,and providingcomprehensive researchandevaluation support.Respondingtothe brieftoprovidecapacityand

skillssharingtoartistsand creativesinevaluation,aswell asextrafeetontheground duringthefringe,our research andevaluationworktodate hasincluded:

• workingcollaboratively withtheteamand partnerstodevelopan evaluationframework andtheoryofchangefor thefestival

• deliveringevaluation supportandtraining sessionstoartistsand creatives(our slidesand resourcesfromour skillssharingsessionsare availabletoviewasa toolkithere)

• co-ordinating comprehensiveaudience

researchandevaluation activityduringthefringe

• co-ordinating observationalfeedback anddatacollection

• face-to-faceaudience surveyingand interviewingatevents

• impactjournalismand voxpopswithaudiences andartists

• aTalkaokeeventin collaborationwithThe PeopleSpeaktobring peopletogetheraround thetableofchatto

discussart,culture,dance andeverythingelse,as partoftheRoyal AcademyofDance’s MagicofDance communityday(see pictureshereandfilm here)

• co-ordinatingfilmand videostorytellingin collaborationwith CarolineWilsonand UndrLdn

Wearegratefulto Huda Awanforhersupportonthis project.Collaboratingwith ThePeopleSpeakand CarolineWilsonand UndrLdnonthisprojecthas alsobeenbrilliantinbringing addedlayersofcreative

engagementand communityresearcherand coachKenHettiarachi,who hashelpedus listentolocal audiencesandcollect surveys.Our researchand insightishelpingtheWAF teamdevelopnextyear’s

whilebuildingcapacityin evaluation.Theteamand WAFcreativeshavehighly valuedthesupport.

Findoutmoreabout WandsworthFringehere: wandsworthfringe.com

Audienceresearch andplanningforthe BeaconMuseum +

TheBeacon Museumin Whitehaven onthe LakeDistrict’swest coastisanawardwinningmuseum thathousesa variedcollection representing the historyofthe Copelandarea.

Its‘BeaconSparks’project bringsthemuseumtolife throughaseriesofdigital interactives,includingvirtual realityexperiences,digital walkingtrailsandinteractive touchscreens.Theproject createsnewwaysforlocal

peopleandvisitorstosparka passionandimaginationfor localhistory.Weworked closelywiththeBeacon teamandtheirpartners during2021.Weledamixedmethodsresearchprojectto exploreperceptions,

motivationsandbarriersto visiting,leadingtoanew audienceplanforthe museum.Wealsooffered marketingadvice& support totheteam.

Wearegratefultoallthose whosupportedtheproject andcontributedtothe research,includingFriends ofWhitehavenMuseum, localgroups,Copeland BoroughCouncil,Sellafield LtdandCumbriaTourism.

Wewerepleasedtowork withGraceScottat MeaningfulMarketing,a Cumbriabasedmarketing agency,whoprovided additionaladviceand supportondigitalmarketing. Andweare gratefultothe AudienceAgencyandMDNW fortheirinputandinsight.

Researchanddevelopment activitiesincluded:

• Analysisofthemuseum’s audienceprofileandit’s WestCumbriacontext

• Conversationswithlocal partnersandstakeholders

• Engagementwithlocal groupsandanonline survey

• Anactionresearchvisitto WhitehaveninJune, includingvisitorsurveys, marketstall conversations,voxpop

conversations,and informalconversations

• Onlinefocusgroups

• Appraisalsessionswith theteam

• Developmentofanew audienceplan

Theworkhasenabledthe museum teamtomove forwardwiththeirplansto engagelocalaudiencesand communitygroupsand promotethemuseum more widelytoresidentsand touristsinCopelandand Cumbria.

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Researchandevaluationsupportto FoundationforFutureLondonand theConnectingPeopleandPlaces Fund

Foundationfor FutureLondonisan independent charityestablished in2015createdto connect communities,the newEastBankand itsglobally renownedarts, innovationand culturalpartners.

FFL’sConnectingPeople& PlacesFundwassetupto supportlocalEastLondon partnerstodeliverarts, educationandemployment programmingandcreative placemaking,partofthe FoundationsProgrammeco-

fundedbyCityofLondon.

Wehavebeenthrilledto workwithFFL’sinspiringteam andnetworktohelpFFL reportontheimpactofthe ConnectingPeopleand PlacesFund.

Researchandevaluation activitytodatehasincluded:

• Providingsupportand traininginresearchand evaluationtobuild capacityamongst grantees

• Providing1:1adviceand supporttoahandfulof granteestosupporttheir evaluationand storytellingactivity

• Overseeinga participatory, community-led storytellingapproachto exploringand documentingthe collectiveimpactofthe fundandwhatcanbe learnt

• WorkingcloselywithFran Gkotsiwhoiscoordinatingwrap-around support,adviceand mentoringforthe granteesthroughthe‘CoLab’

• Reviewingandanalysing individualgrantee evaluationsubmissions andtriangulatingimpact andlearningacrossthe cohorts

• Producinginternaland externalimpactand learningreportsforthe funderandwiderpublicto sharelearningand impact

Thesupportishelpingto buildcapacityamongst granteesinimpactful, meaningfulandcosteffectiveevaluation practices,whilehelpingthe Foundationtotellthestoryof itsfundedprogrammesin communities,understandits impactandmake improvementstothe supportofferedtograntees.

Findoutmoreaboutthe ConnectingPeopleand PlacesFundhere:

https://future.london/grant/c onnecting-people-placesfund-collaborativecommissions-2023/

Readour evaluationimpact summaryhere:

https://future.london/wpcontent/uploads/2022/05/Co nnecting-People-PlacesEvaluation-Report2022_Report_Digital_19.04.22. pdf

Ourtipsforsmall-scale projectevaluations +

1. UseTheoryofChangeas aplanningtoolleadingto better,moreefficientand cost-effectiveevaluation becauseyouare focusingonmeasuring whatmatters.Identify your researchquestions andpriorityoutcomes. TheArtsImpactFundhas auseful templateyou canpopulate.

2. Involveteammembers andprojectpartnersin your thinkingand planningtocreate sharedownership

3. Planinadvancewhat youwilldo:

• Athestartofyour projecttoidentify participants’hopes, expectationsand startingplace

• Duringtheprojectto documentitunfolding andexploreearlyimpact

andlearning

• Attheendofyourproject toexplorewhathas changedforthose involvedandwhatcan belearnt.

4. Haveasysteminplace forcollectingdataand informationinone place,suchasGoogle Drive,DropboxFolder,or SlackChannel.Save data,feedback, screenshots, photographs,videos andotherprojects outputs asyougo.This makeslifeeasierwhenit comestoanalysis.

5. Trynottorelyononlya singlemethodofdata collection,useamixture ofquantandqual methods.

6. Gobeyondreporting projectoutputsandaim toexplorewhathas

changedforthose involvedthroughsuitable quantorqualmethods.

7. Observationand journalingisacosteffectivewayof documentingreflections, impactandlearningas yougo.

8. Photographyandfilmis acreativewayof documentingyour projectasitunfolds, conductinginterviews andvoxpopsand sharingthelegacyof your project.

9. Collectingparticipant storiesisapowerfulway toexploretheimpactof your projectandwhat canbelearnt.Tryto includeagoodspread andrangeofvoicesand perspectives.

10. Documenttherealworldcreativeoutputs ofyour workusingfilm, photography,andvisual art.

11. Useagridorframework tohelpyouanalyseyour dataagainstyourkey questionsand outcomes.

12. Don’tfeelconstrained toawordreport,a slidedeckcanbean effectivewayoftelling your storyofimpact andsharinglearning.

13. Includeyourevaluation findings/evidenceof impactaspartofyour CaseforSupportand fundraisingbidsto showtheneedforyour work,howandwhywhat youdoworks,andhow youhaveevolvedyour work.

14. Workwithus!Wehave reducedratesfor workingwithcharities andnot-for-profitsand alwaysgoaboveand beyondwithadditional

supporttimeinkind. We’realwayshappyto chatandofferadvice aboutyourevaluation orstorytellingproject pro-bono https://www.slideshare.net/

Viewortrainingsessionslideson Evaluationmethodsandchoices

Ourtipsforstory collectionandpeer interviewing +

1. Buildreflectionandcodesignsessionsinto yourevaluationtoget anin-depth understandingofthe contextandtoshapethe research.Involvepeople early,evenifthe approachisn’tquite shapedout.

2. Allowampletimeand resourcesforrecruiting, supporting,andtraining citizenresearchers and storycollectors.Build relationshipswithcitizen researchersandstory collectors.Storiesare mostmeaningfulwhen theyarecloselytiedto theindividualor collectiveexperiencesof thestorycollector.

3. Givecareful considerationtothe matching-upofcitizen researchersandstory collectorswith storytellersand interviewees. Think aboutareasofshared interestaswellas interestingcontrasting perspectivesthatcould cometogether.

4. Awriterisakeyrole,and it’shelpfulifthatperson canbridgeresearchand storytellingwithaneye forimpactandlearning, aswellasbeingableto craftanarrativewriteup.

5. Bringpeopleback togetheragainto

discussthenarrativesto identifysharedthemes andlearning.

6. Ithasbeenstrikingtous howthestoriesnotonly givearichinsightinto people’sexperiencesof programmesand exhibitionsbutalsopaint arichportraitureof people’slives,contexts andtheplacesand spacesthatmatterto them.Yourresearchcan beusedformativelyto shapefutureworkand activitiesandbuilda pictureofinterests, aspirationsand prioritiesinalocalarea.

Ourtipsforeventsand festivalevaluations +

1. Bringteammembers andstakeholders togetherearlyonto shapetheevaluation frameworkandresearch questions–don’twaitfor everythingtobeinplace orworkedout.

2. Thereisnoone-sizefits-allapproach. Articulateanoverarching frameworkbutbeready todeployamixtureof methodsand tools/approachesfor datacollection.

3. Audiencesurveyingcan beaneffectiveand efficientwayof gatheringfeedbackand workswellwherethere issteadyfootfall,or peoplearemingling around.Ifeveryone leavesaneventata singlepoint,workinpairs tocollectsurveysand

considerself-complete surveysonafew clipboardsthatcanbe handedaround.Surveys arenotalwaysenjoyable forpeopletodo,sothink aboutwaystomake themfun.Keepsurveys shortandconcise.

4. Encourageartistsand creativestothinkabout whatactionstheycan takepre-event,during andaftertheireventsto capturefeedback. Often themosteffective responseratesare achievedwhenthelead artistor organiserleads ontheirevaluation activitythatdrawson theirtalentsandskillsets linkstothecreative mediumstheyuseas partoftheirworkand practice.

5. Often,therichest,most

diverse,andmost valuablefeedbackfrom visitors,audiences,and participantscanbe heardatyourcafes, bars,ticketandbox officesandduringyour eventsandactivities. Createasystemfor capturingobservational feedbackand encourageartistand teammember journaling.

6. SetupaWhatsApp channelforyour festival eventtoprovidea platformfor peopleto sharereflections, feedback,photographs andvideos.

7. Usecreativeresearch methodsandaudioand videotoengagepeople andstimulate discussionsontheir terms.

MoreProject Examples

CaseStudy:Business PlanningSupportforCulture SyndicatesCIC +

CultureSyndicates isasocial enterprisewiththe aimofgrowinga sustainable culturalsectorby delivering innovative and enterprising projectsand developing afair, inclusiveand appropriately skilledworkforce.

Culture Syndicatesbuild employabilitybycreating paiddevelopmental opportunitiesfor emerging professionalsandby championingasustainable workforceinthecultural sector.In2021Chrisworked closelywiththeteamto

supporttheirbusiness planningtohelpthem respondtotheimpactsof Covid-19andmaximisetheir valuetothesector.Thework culminatedinanewfiveyearbusinessplan.To supportthebusiness planningprocesswecarried

outstakeholderandmarket research,reviewedCulture Syndicates’impacttodate, andfacilitatedbusiness modelcanvasandplanning workshopswiththeteamto workupapracticaland realisticgrowthplan.

Wewerepleasedtowork alongsideSelena BolingbrokeofSighthound Consultancy,wholeda governancereviewfor the team.Thispartnership broughtanaddedlayerof qualityassurancetothe work.

Theworkhasenabled Culture Syndicatestomove forwardwiththeirplansto buildsectorresilience throughtrainingoffersfor sectorentrantsand emergingprofessionals,and throughadigital livestreamingserviceofferto helpheritageorganisations reachnewaudiencesin China.Culture Syndicates’ internationallivestreaming offerbuildsontheawardwinningworkofFeixue Huangduwhohasbeen successfullylivestreaming andpromotingcultural attractionsandstoriesinthe EastMidlandstohernative China.

NevilleStankley,Chief Executive,said:“Chriswasa pleasuretoworkwith, friendly,incisiveandflexible. Hehasupskilledthestaff

andcertainlyhelpedmove usforwardasan organisationandbusiness.”

NatashaClegg,ActingHead ofProjectssaid:“Culture SyndicatesCIC commissionedChristobuild ourbusinessplanningskills andtohelpuscreateanew fiveyearbusinessplan.Chris waseasytoworkwithand talkedourteamthrough eachphaseofthebusiness planningprocessina straightforwardand accessiblemanner.Asa result,wearenow significantlyup-skilledand confidentinbusiness planning.”

Chriscreateda comprehensivefiveyear businessplanwhichfully metour needsand demonstratedhisstrong understandingofour organisation.Hewentabove andbeyondtounderstand our company,our stakeholders,thecontextin whichweworkandour future directionoftravel.We wouldhappilyworkwith Chrisagaininthefuture.”

Creativeevaluationand storytellingLeytonstone LovesFilm +

LeytonstoneLoves Film(LLF)isafree community-powered programme celebrating film cultureand Leytonstone’svibrant cinemacommunity.

Weworkedcloselywiththe Barbican’sinspiring Communitiesand Neighbourhoodsteamto designandleada storytellingapproachto document,tellthestoryof, andevaluatetheimpact andlegacyofthe2021 festivalandtheevolutionof thefestivalmodel.

Thisincludedearlyreflection workshops,in-festival observationandimpact journalism,ethnography andin-festivaldata collection(feedbackfrom venuemanagers,anopen whatsappgroupfor creativesandfestival participantstosharekey moments),andanalysisof

audienceparticipationand socialvalue.Wecreateda micro-commissionandpaid workopportunityfor a youngjournalismgraduate toattendthefestival, supportingherinthe principlesof solutions/impactjournalism, anddocumentingtwohigh profileevents.

Wetrainedateamstory collectorsfromtheLLF networktohold conversationswithLLF partnerstohearabouttheir eventsandpersonal accountsofchange.These weresynthesisedintorich personalnarrativesbythe brilliantRichardBarker of RadiantCircus.

Wehelpedfacilitatea vibrantLLFpartnermeeting intheBarbicancinemato discussandappraisethe storiesbeforeproducingthe finalevaluationreportwith richstoryandnarrative analysissittingalongside impact,participation, audienceandsocialvalue data. Theworkhashelped theBarbicanmoveforward withtheirplanstocreatean LLFnetwork,hubandfundto supportyeararoundfilm

activityinLeytonstone.

“Thankyouagainfor allof your workontheLLF evaluation-it’sbeena journey andsomanypeople involved.Allofthefeedback hasbeenoverwhelmingly positive,peoplehavereally enjoyedbeingpartofit,as haveI.Ithasbeenbrilliantto collaboratewithyouonthis.”

~LaraDeffense,then Producer,Barbican Communities& NeighbourhoodsTeam.

“I’vereallylovedworkingwith you,andmassively appreciateyour calm, rigorous,thoughtful contributionstoour work andprogress.”

~Rachel Smith,thenSeniorProducer, BarbicanCommunities& NeighbourhoodsTeam

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Businessandmarketingsupportto

FutureMakers–anewartand designstudioinNottinghamfor circulareconomy-based collaborations

FutureMakersisthe brainchildof Nottingham-based creative Tristan Hessing;a9,000sqft artanddesignstudio inNottinghamfor circulareconomybasedcollaborations andinnovations, events,markets, workshops& exhibitions.

Wewerethrilledtoworkwith TristanthroughNottingham TrentUniversity’sBigHouse programme,whichoffersa rangeofbespokesupportto growingandestablished businesseswithinthe

creativeanddigital industries.

Weprovidedarangeof practicalbusinesssupport advicetohelpFuture Makers starttoestablishitselfinthe city.Aswellasinputonthe

businessandgrowth planning,akeypartofour supportwasprovidinga comprehensivemarketing planforFuture Makersto shareitsserviceofferswith localartistsandcreatives.

Comparativeresearchand businessmodellingforMetaValue helpstheUniversityofLincoln kickstartthenewBarbicanCreative Hubforstudentsandcreativesin Lincoln

TheUniversityof Lincolnwasaclientof publicsector strategyconsultancy MetaValuewhowe providedresearch andconsultancy supporttoandledon businessmodelling andcomparative research/case studies.

Workingcloselywiththe brilliantleadconsultants SuzieCampbellandSelena Bolingbroke,weled comprehensiveresearch, businessplanningand modellingtohelpthe Universitydevelopaviable

businesscaseandlong-term financialplanforthenew creativehub,offeringamix ofgallery,creative education,networking, eventsandcoworking services.edelivered comparativeresearchby

speakingtoandresearching whatworks atcreativehubs aroundtheUK. Weheld stakeholderinterviewsand supportedfocusgroupswith academicsandcreative professionalsinLincoln.

Weworkedcollaboratively withtheurbandesignerand aspartoftheconsultancy teamtoappraisethespace opportunityandpotential andworkupdetailedservice definitionsfor thehub,with robustbusinessmodelling, scenarioplanning,anda three-yearfinancialplan.

Thesupportwas well receivedbytheteam, enablingtheUniversityto proceedwiththecreative hub,drawinginover£2.5 millioninexternal investmenttodeliverthe hub.

TheBarbicanCreativeHub willbringthehistoricbuilding backintouseasa communitycreativehubby providingagallery,acafé andcreativeworkspacesto super-chargethegrowth andproductivityofthe county’screativeindustries.

Readmorehere: https://news.lincoln.ac.uk/202 2/03/07/barbican-hub-togive-lincoln-a-creativeboost/

Andhere:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ uk-england-lincolnshire64652656

Picture source:Stuart Wilde, https://www.lincoln.gov.uk/pr ojects/barbicanand UniversityofLincolnArtistic Impressions

Artisticimpressionsofthe newhub:

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Evaluationsupportandmentoring toCreativeYouthandKingston’s heritagefundedArts,MusicandPop Fashionproject

Creative Youthisa charitybasedin Kingston,London, bornoutofan ambitionto encourageand celebratethe creativityofyoung people.Thecharity enablesyoungpeople togetinvolvedin innovative, original andambitious creative projects.

AMPKingston(Art,Music and PopFashion)isCreative Youth’snewprojectto uncoverKingston’smusic heritage.AMP aimsto uncoverandtellthestoryof Kingston’srichmusic

heritagethrougha programmeofyoungperson-ledandcommunitycentredcreative interpretationsandevents (therecentlylaunchedBowie andBeyondexhibitionat

KingstonMuseumisakey highlight)tocatalyseand inspireawidervarietyofart formsandprojects.

CreativeYouthisacharity basedinKingston,London, bornoutofanambitionto encourageandcelebrate thecreativityofyoung people.Thecharityenables youngpeopletogetinvolved ininnovative,originaland ambitiouscreativeprojects. CYheldthefirstInternational YouthArtsFestival(now calledFUSE)attheRose Theatrein2009,whichhas growntobecomethe largestfestivalofitskindin theUK.

AMPKingston(Art,Music and PopFashion)isCreative Youth’snewprojectto uncoverKingston’smusic heritage.AMP aimsto uncoverandtellthestoryof Kingston’srichmusic heritagethrougha programmeofyoungperson-ledandcommunitycentredcreative interpretationsandevents (therecentlylaunched Bowie andBeyondexhibition atKingstonMuseumisakey highlight)tocatalyseand inspireawidervarietyofart formsandprojects.

Wearedelightedtobe workingwiththeCreative Youthteamastheir evaluationpartneronthis project,alongsideabrilliant researchanddesignteam whoareinvolvedinthe programming(JarekZaba, ZoëLouizos,JamesWard)as wellasCarolineWilsonand UndrLndnwhoarecoordinatingoneofthe legacy filmsoftheproject.

Wearealsopleasedto continueour collaboration withFranGkotsi,providing anaddedlayeroffacilitation supportaspartofour trainingoffer.

Researchandevaluation supportsofarhasincluded:

• Evaluationframework design

• Mixedmethodsaction researchtodocument andevaluatetheproject’s Upcycleshowcasefor threethreecreative installationsinspiredby theart,musicandpopof the60sto90s

• Audienceresearchand vox-popsatKingston

Museumtoexplorethe visitorexperienceatthe project’sBowie and Beyondexhibition Atouringprogrammefor AMPisbeingplanned,and we lookforwardtoworking withtheteamandthe HeritageCollectivetotellthe storyofAMPandidentify legacyopportunities.

Researchsupportto WomenOver50Film Festival +

WomenOver50

Film

Festival

(WOFFF) championsand showcasesthe workofolder womenonscreen andbehindthe camerawithan annualshortfilm festivalandyearroundeventsand filmscreenings.

WOFFFstartedin2015and areproudtohavecreateda filmcommunitycentred aroundolderwomen.Moving PicturesisWOFFF’sminifestivalreachingeldercare homes,communitycentres andcharitiesacrossLondon andthewiderUKthrougha

programmeofshortfilms andcreativeactivities.We arethrilledtocontinue workingwithWOFFF’sfounder NualaO’Sullivantotellthe storyofMovingPicturesand documentandevaluatethis inspiringwork

In2022/23weworkedwith NualatoconductasmallscaleevaluationofMoving Picturesthroughthe followingactivities:

• Conversationswith WOFFF’sfounderNuala

O’Sullivan

• DeskreviewofWOFFF’s existingreportsand information

• Dataentryandanalysisof WOFFF’sMovingPicture papersurveyscollected fromolderpeopleand carehomesettings

• Qualitativeinterviewsand storycollectionwitha smallsampleof participatingcareand communitypartners, exploringthe‘Most SignificantChanges’for olderpeopleandpartners

• Analysisandtriangulation ofkeythemesand producinganimpactand learningreport.

Youcanviewthereportand findingsatWOFF’sMoving Picturespagehere.

https://wofff.co.uk/movingpictures/

Aswellashelpingto documenttheimpactofthe project,theevaluationhas helpedWOFFFembed evaluationtoolsintoproject

work,includingstory collectionandqualitative discussionguides. Morerecently,we havebeen helpingWOFFFupdatetheir surveysandobservation formstocontinueto documenttheproject’s reachandimpactincare homes,inmeaningful, sensitiveandrelevantways.

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Researchandevaluation supporttotheFusion FuturesProgramme

in London

FusionFuturesis a5-week programme for KeyStage5 studentsto supportyoung Londonerstofind theircreative voiceand collaboratewith otherstoshare ideasandtackle challenges.

heprogrammehelps studentsdeveloptheir communication,teamwork andproblem-solvingskills andisbasedonthreekey elements:beingawareof yourself,making connections,andimagining newideasandpossibilities.

Theprogrammeisrunby Culture MileLearningand BarbicanCreativeLearning anddeliveredbyartistsand industrypartnerswho collaboratewithteachersto designworkshops,activities andareal-worldindustry ‘challengeday’brieffor

pupilsfromlocalschoolsand colleges.

Researchandevaluation supporthasincluded:

• pre-programme conversationswiththe teamandartiststocreate atheoryofchangeand evaluationframework;

• supportwiththedesignof in-schoolobservationand datacollection;

• attendingpostprogrammegroupswith theschoolteachers, artists,andindustry partners;and

• collationofreflections andobservations.

WatchtheFusionFutures videohere:

https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=hBsBsPjdWUQ

implementevaluation frameworksforartsbased learningprojectsmainly usingqualitativemethods includingstorycollecting. He’sgreattoworkwith becausehelistens attentively,asksreally helpfulquestionstoclarify andfocusabrief,responds closelytofeedbackand produceswellstructured andclearwritten documentsandanalysis.I canhighlyrecommendhim.”

BethCrosland,thenSenior ProgrammeManager, CultureMileLearningsaid: “Chrisisagreatcollaborator andaskilfulevaluator.He’s alsostronglycommittedto socialimpactandto supportingorganisationsto understandanddeepen theirimpact.He’sworked withusbothtodevelopand

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Socialvalueandimpactevaluation for

CultureMile’sFusionPrize winner,ThePatterncultural incubatorbycreativestudio Playnice

ThePattern,ledby London-basedcreative studioPlayNiceand supportedbyCulture Mile,isacultural curriculumand incubatorforfuture communityleaders, culturalproducersand aspiringcreatives from underrepresented groupsinLondon.

Weprovidedevaluationand storytellingsupporttothe Patternteamtocapturethe earlyimpactsandlearning ofthecurriculum andtwo highprofilecreativeand communityprojects,Gaia’s Garden(pictured,Photo:

FrancisAugusto) andAtthe Feetofour Mothers.This includedsocialvalueand impactauditaswellas qualitativeresearchand interviewswithyoungpeople andprojectpartner.

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AcrosstheRoad:Proposalsfor PaddingtonGreenandHallPlace

Estateinthecontextof Westminster’sChurchStreet regeneration

ACivicDesignCPD ProjectwithUCLBartlett SchoolofPlanning).

In2021/22LiveProjects’

ChrisHayesworkedas partofastudentdesign teamandwithcreatives withembedded communityworkingin LondonPaddington’s ChurchStreetestateto co-designsolutionsfor strengthened public engagement, regeneration, and creative ideasand solutionstoimprovethe publicrealm

Thisincludedacommunity auditandcommunity consultation,andworking withCivicWise’spublic realmcommunity engagementtoolkitand canvases.Our reportis

availableherewiththe caveatthatit was producedasastudent projectunder tighttime constraints.Belowisan extractofthemethodology section.

CollaboratingwithThePeople Speaktoconnectpeopletodiscuss healthandcommunityissuesin Southwark

ThePeopleSpeak (TPS)isagroupof international artistsbasedin London.TPShas 25yearsof expertise in helpingpeople understandeach otherand collectively processthe world’s complexity.

Theteamcreatesfun, interactive,participatory formatsandinterventionsin theUKandabroad, articulatingcollective imagination,informingpublic decision-makingand

deepeningconnections betweendiversegroupsof people.(Picture Credit:The PeopleSpeak)

Theteamregularlyfacilitate communityconversations usingtheirflagshipformat

Talkaoke–theinteractive talkshowtogatherinsights aboutthetopicsandissues thatmattertopeople.

Wearereallypleasedto continueour collaboration withThePeopleSpeak, providingresearchand solutionsjournalism,building onrecentprojectwork. Thissummer,Southwark CreativeHealth& Wellbeing Partnership(SCHWeP) fundedTPS’sproposalto delivertwosuccessfulpublic Talkaokesessionsin Southwarktofacilitate communityconversations andhearpeople’sthoughts andreflectionsabout healthylives,community,the pandemicandvaccine hesitancy.Thesewere deliveredinpartnershipwith PeckhamPlatform,alocal creativeandeducational charity,andWalworthLiving Room,amulti-use communityspaceandcafé, tohelptheorganisations bringpeopletogetherin theirlocalcommunities.

Weprovidedanadditional layerofresearchsupportby:

• Designinganddelivering wrap-aroundresearch andevaluationactivity

• Facilitatingshortvox-pop conversationswithpeople aftertheyparticipatedin Talkaokefor deeper insightintothefunder’s questionsandtopics

• 1:1conversationswith projectpartnersto understandlearningand impact

• Evaluatingtheimpactof theeventsandpulling togetherfindings

WearegratefultoHuda Awanforproviding additionalresearchsupport tothisproject.

Talkaoke:‘What’sUp Peckham?’washeldon Saturday,17June,from 1to5 pminPeckhamSquare.See hereforthevideoandhere forthephotos.

AHealthyExchangex TalkaokewasheldonFriday, 21June,from1to5pmat WalworthLivingRoomas partoftheir‘AHealthy Exchange’event,an afternoonforpeopleto exchangeideasonhealth, wellbeingandhowto supportoneanothertoheal

asacommunity.

Throughthesessions,people connectedwithothersthey mightnotnormallymeet, discussingissuesand buildingfriendships.The PeopleSpeakhasbuiltclose andcollaborativeworking relationshipswiththeir communitypartners,helping themtobetterunderstand theissuesthatmatterto theirlocalcommunitiesand buildingtheirinterestin Talkaokefacilitationskills.

Policyandadvocacy researchforcreative campaigners

Policy research projects and support for creative policy influencers, giving a voice topeople and communities on the issues and causes that matter.

Wesupport progressive policy projects and campaigns withinsight and evidence on the issues, voices and causes that matter, gathered through primary and secondary research methods. Westand fordecision-making that isevidence-led and informed bythe lived experiences ofpeople and communities. We are passionate about localism, athriving civil society, and participatory democracy.

Policy productsand services

Our policyproductshelpyoutostayintouchwithand influencechange.Wegroundour researchin:

• What’sso(thefacts,trendsandevidence)

• What’ssaid(theissues,voicesandlived experiences)

• Whatworks(learning,bestpracticeand innovation),and

• What’snext(future possibilitiesandscenarios).

Outputs caninclude:briefings,thoughtpieces, evidencereports,consultationsubmissions, monitoringandhorizonscans,presentationsand facilitatedsessions.

Briefings:Highlightingthekeyfactsandissueswith linksandsign-posting.

Rapidanddepthreviews:Idealfor thosewhoneedto explorepolicyissuesinmoredepth.Anoutput may include:literaturereview;reviewandsummaryofkey informationsources;casestudiesandbestpractice; analysisandcomment;andpolicy recommendations.

GreenandWhitePapers:Bespokeresearchand/or optionsappraisalstodeveloppolicyideasand recommendations.

Briefings, reviews,and Green&White papers

Policy Projects

Wecancarryout bespokeprimaryorsecondary researchandanalysisorworkwithyoutoprovide further support.Thismightinclude:policyoptions appraisals,facilitatedsessions,workshops,focus groupsorround-tablediscussions.