We visited B-Arts, a participatory arts and theatre company based in Stoke. They use arts and creativity to transform people's lives, the places in which they live, and their community.
B-Arts aims to strengthen the cultural infrastructure in Stoke and North Staffordshire whilst increasing the diversity and range of artists and producers in the area. They also run a community hub and bakery, offering a space for artists and people from a wide range of backgrounds - including those who may not normally engage with the arts - to take part in creative activities.
We first supported B-Arts in 2014 to lead Artcity Stoke, a consortium of Stoke-based community arts organisations aiming to use creativity and the creative heritage of the city to generate a confident new narritive for the area.
Connection to Esmée's strategy
- Priorities
- Long-term outcomes
- Communities are strengthened and transformed through a collaborative approach to culture.
- Local people and local artists are at the heart of change.
- Community-led art and creativity are central to local policy and decision making.
- Community-led art is valued by funders and statutory agencies as a central element of community regeneration.
