Power Up

An inspiring ‘think piece’ that explores power and shared decision making in participatory arts, looking at the ethics, values and politics of the work. An important read for all in the sector.  Chrissie Tiller, 2017 

Faster But Slower

Coming out of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, this report offers some valuable provocations and learning around community engaged arts practice.  Useful thinking for any participatory/collaborative artists. Mark Robinson, 2016 

Sharing the Stage

This report reflects on the learning and emerging themes from Gulbenkian funded arts projects based on partnerships between arts organisations and social partners. This is the first report in a suite of resources which can be accessed here.  Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, 2016 

Applied Theatre: Facilitation

This book gives a critical analysis of the role of the facilitator through the lens of pedagogy, practice and resilience. It presents a range of perspectives from practitioners.  For more from the Applied Theatre Series look here. Sheila Preston, 2016 

Evaluation in Participatory Arts Programmes

This report comes out of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme and offers evaluation models, methodologies and tools.  A valuable resource for anyone evaluating their own collaborative/participatory practice. Other resources from CPP can be found here. Sarah Davies (ed) for Arts Council England, 2016 

Remapping Performance: Common Ground, Uncommon Partners

This book discusses collaborative projects between communities, arts and social sector agencies, where all are vital to realise the ambitions of the project.  Case studies have a mainly US focus but highly relevant to UK practitioners.  Jan Cohen-Cruz, 2015 

ArtWorks Code of Practice

One in a suite of publications looking at national standards in participatory arts from Paul Hamlyn Foundation's ArtsWorks. It is a useful guide for anyone wanting to benchmark their practice and ensure the highest standards.  Kathryn Deane for PHF, 2014 

Performance and Community: Commentary and Case Studies

This book presents case studies from UK artists and organisations working in social and community contexts, focusing on their aesthetic and political ambitions rather than the ‘healing, educational or problem solving’ frame the work is often cast in.  Caoimhe McAvinchey, [...]

All in this together

An insightful and provocative article charting the depoliticisation of Community Arts in Britain between 1970 and 2011. A must read for all radically minded practitioners.  For more by this seminal thinker look here. Francois Matarasso, 2013