In the beginning

Greetings,

First of all let me welcome you to what will become my monthly blog, of local voluntary arts updates, relevant information and primarily a low down of what I have achieved in the coming months as Falkirk's only Voluntary Arts Ambassador. Before we begin, you can find out some information about myself and what projects I am currently involved in on the Welcome section of this blog, feel free to take a look.

There are many Voluntary Arts Ambassadors based throughout Scotland but unlike most areas I have been in my voluntary position for around two years,  in that time I have met with many people from local authorities, the CVS, politicians and local governing organisations but most importantly I have become friends with a lot of artists in Falkirk. Artists in Falkirk? Yup, if you look you will find an array of talented amateur art groups operating throughout the Falkirk District, Too lazy to look? You don't have to, I've done it for you, there is an extensive list of local arts and crafts groups that you can join or simply admire on this blog. More groups added to the database regularly. 

Voluntary Arts' Voluntary Arts Ambassador initiative is an exciting project to be involved in that has allowed local groups to flourish, if you know anyone who participates within the arts and would like to find out more, please share this blog with them, who knows what could happen.

In this first update, I shall attempt to remember back to my original induction, describing what it was like and then fast forwarding to June 2013 where I have reached some of the goals set, I'm always adding more. 

So lets get blogging, the headings below were suggested as a potential format, I'll stick with it at the moment, so happy reading.

Experience at Induction

I recall enjoying my two day stint at Carronvale House, probably because I had to travel two minutes to get there unlucky for some who traveled many miles to get to Larbert, the VAA for Falkirk was off to a good start. It's no longer a two day affair though and there wasn't any quizzes

George Clinton

or wine! Learning what 's expected of a VAA was both exciting and daunting as I was sure no art groups existed in my area, but determined as ever I wanted to find them or create them, with the help of Voluntary Arts Scotland this could be made possible. It was a full on two days crammed with information on what's a voluntary arts group to how do I get on the community planning panel, the prospect of meeting scary heads of departments and members of parliament (not George Clinton and Co, the real parliament) and what do the arts have to offer them? Two years later on I am fully armed with a huge ever growing list of art groups and knowledge of why they are so important to a community like Falkirk, which I will share over the coming months and have became friends with members of local authorities so nothing is a scary as it seemed back then. I knew that the arts were extremely important and were vitally in need of supporting but I thought I was the only practicing artist in Falkirk, I thought I was being selfish wanting an arts scene but now there are many of us and I'm eager to make it happen, trust me. 

Initial groundwork

The first few months of being Falkirk's new VAA were slow, I couldn't find any groups, I couldn't find anyone who was atleast interested in the arts - my first breakthrough came when I put my issues with social networking to the side, (don't worry I won't share them here) I set up a Voluntary Arts Ambassador Falkirk page, you can like it here, adding who I thought were local art groups, I also added the major art institutions, thinking they ought to hear about what I'm getting up to (creative scotland liked my page!) I liked who they liked and then liked their likes, it was a lot of liking at the time, I established my page through posting up the bits and pieces of Falkirk art activity, good job no one else was because I started to get noticed. Following up my online contacts in person I created links with groups, who them spoke of other groups, always writing them down, always wanting to help them grow. Meeting with local authorities and similar organisations prove to be counter intuitive, they were only keen to support their own activities, I learnt that they work on many of their own projects, this does includes some work with voluntary arts groups such as Sing Forth Choir but the VAA is the only role which concentrates totally on this sector.

What's going well 

The rise in awareness of art groups, it is now easier to find art groups and have conversations with the key people running these groups as I have constructed a reputation that the voluntary arts ambassador can actually help. I am now being asked for help instead of How can I help? This has been due to creating opportunities in which the groups can develop their activities or showcase their talent by providing them with an exhibition space entirely free of charge. Another opportunity available that I have created is a quarterly arts 'zine, [Untitled]

[Untitled] issue 2

the original voluntary arts publication, aimed at promoting the work of groups through a portable and accessible vehicle, this can be found in many retailers on Falkirk High Street. More recently I have continued on the good work of the Voluntary Arts Week event created by Voluntary Arts Scotland, which launched last year in Falkirk, with huge success, the aim is to make this arts festival a more permanent fixture in the area. 

Even better if

All the groups got an online presence - more seriously - The area of the VAA role that I need to step up is to attend more meetings with local authority figures and take my place on the community planning panel - I have made inquiries through the CVS on how to do so, currently waiting on a reply to discover what stage I should enter at. Although I have previously met with the community trust and the local MSP, it would be beneficial to keep in regular contact about what's going on in Falkirk, even if it's just to make them aware that groups do exist. All previous meetings have been successful so hopefully I can expand on these. 

What I hope to go on to do

My main aim is - Falkirk art groups get the recognition that they deserve and their voice to be heard, something that currently is not happening unless it is through a very small network within the groups themselves. I hope to use my role as VAA to bridge the gap between groups and community trusts, newspapers and other organisations, to explore the potential that there is in Falkirk's art s and crafts people, it's certainly worth printing about. This can be achieved by meeting the right people, through attending meetings, visiting groups and generally making contacts within different industries. 

Anything I'd like more help with

I'd like more help with setting up meetings and promoting 'major' events such as the annual voluntary arts week event in Falkirk - I am busy promoting and interacting directly with the groups I forget about the more academic side of the role, meeting people at the business end of things. The role doesn't require to much of me, I am happy to attend the meetings but it's easier to meet the actual art groups. I believe hearing from an organisation such as Voluntary Arts and not just a volunteer, helps people or groups agree to take part in events or take the opportunities seriously if they have backing.

What I get out of being a VAA

Being a VAA has allowed me to discover a whole world of art that exists tucked away without any help in Falkirk, it has allowed me to with pride set people right when they say there isn't any art in the area.

I also have to now fill out monthly check lists, I shall be publishing these on this blog also so you can all see why it's beneficial to get in contact with me. If you wish to get in contact with myself them please enter your details at the contact section of this blog, found here.

Until then,

Craig