UROCKING

I began UROCK youth Company in 2005 when I realised Young people benefit from an arts environment which supports them socially. They come to our group from across the city and the educational primary /secondary divide. Being part of the company means they make full commitment to the idea of exploring “The Arts” they try everything and they attend for 3 hours every Saturday morning. Sessions are based upon creative approaches and every student is encouraged to think independently and support others they work with. The age range reflects ability and stage, not age. Students have grown into leadership demonstrating a maturity they can offer to their own community. They also have taken the knowledge skills and experiences and have used them as a lever to advance into HE courses and university qualifications. They also embrace special needs and assure their inclusivity. This group is an extended family and I think the hat I wear for this role is close to my personal values and as such is not the day job, just the way I spend Saturdays!

In the October half term of 2011 UROCK had the pleasure of working collaboratively with RAILWORLD [and John Turner] at their exciting Peterborough Site.

An independant evaluation of the partnership identified:

"Both stressed the importance of place and space as a great building block for what you could do or make or perform in an environment. UROCK said that there were challenges of performing underneath the “bridge” but found it worth it to explore such an obscure performance space and would investigate something like that again. They would like to use the wildlife space more in future projects.

A future point for performances in the Globe room was that it works well as a space where you stand and walk instead of sitting and just watching.

The scientist activity during the performances turned out to be very rewarding for the participants. This could be explored on the site with more ‘hubs’ for resource storage where visitors can come and create their own inventions etc. Without a situation it was noted that the creative purpose would be lost. To display people’s inventions on the walls was another idea to inspire present visitors to participate in the activity.

All found that the project cost a lot of time but not much money!             

So watch this space for a possible summer partnership”

My current status as a freelance creative facilitator has taken me right across the East midlands working with schools and commissioning artists to develop innovative approaches to learning. I have also enjoyed developing new participation models for partnership working with venues and festival teams. Here in Peterborough I am currently proud to be part of an excellent Map facilitation team brought together by the Royal Society of Arts to work with the Single Delivery Plan and our city’s most senior leadership.

*Di Goldsmith is an accredited advanced Skills Performing Arts Teacher with 26 years teaching experience in Peterborough Schools.