Introducing Creative Connections – Taking Performing Arts Into Our Community

We are incredibly excited to announce that Kimberley Performing Arts Centre (KPAC) has been awarded £20,000 of National Lottery funding to launch our brand-new community outreach programme, Creative Connections.

Creative Connections will run for 18 months and will enable us to take inclusive performing arts sessions out of our studios and directly into the local community.

What is Creative Connections?

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of movement, music, dance and creativity – regardless of age, ability, circumstances or previous experience.

Through Creative Connections, we will work with local organisations to deliver free, relaxed and accessible performing arts sessions in settings such as:

• Care homes and older people's groups

• Schools

• Specialist SEN organisations

• Community groups and venues

• Organisations supporting mental health and wellbeing

• Groups supporting people experiencing loneliness or social isolation

The sessions will use a mixture of movement, music, dance and simple creative activities, all adapted to suit the people taking part.

This isn't about being able to dance or perform. It's about having fun, building confidence, improving wellbeing, connecting with others and feeling part of something.

Meet the Creative Connections Team

We are delighted that Miss Neve and Miss Nayana will be leading the delivery of Creative Connections.

They will work closely with each organisation to understand the needs of their group and create sessions that are welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Creating Lasting Connections

One of the things that is particularly important to us is that Creative Connections isn't simply a series of one-off workshops.

Where possible, we want to build relationships with organisations and give participants the opportunity to take part regularly, get to know our team and each other, and have something positive to look forward to.

Over the 18-month programme, we hope to reach approximately 80–100 people within our local community.

We will also listen to the people taking part and our partner organisations so that we can understand the difference the programme is making to confidence, wellbeing and social connection.

Could Your Organisation Get Involved?

We are now looking for local organisations and community groups who would like to become part of Creative Connections.

If you work with people who you feel could benefit from accessible creative and performing arts activities, we would love to hear from you.

You don't need to be a performing arts organisation and participants don't need any previous dance or performance experience.

Whether you're a care home, SEN group, school, community organisation, wellbeing group or another local service, please get in touch with us to start a conversation about how Creative Connections could work for your group.

We are so excited to take KPAC beyond our studios, meet new people and use the performing arts to create confidence, wellbeing, friendships and connections across our community.

Interested in Creative Connections?

Get in touch with the KPAC team to find out more and register your organisation's interest.

We can't wait to see where Creative Connections takes us! 💙