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In this episode of the ArtWorks Alliance podcast, Rob Watson chats with David Richmond, the key figure behind Arts in Development. Dave provides an overview of Arts in Development, an initiative focused on nurturing and empowering artists through community-based practices. He highlights the importance of creating supportive environments where artists can thrive.

A central theme in Dave’s work is the concept of walking, both as a metaphor and a practical activity. He explains how walking alongside artists helps in processing experiences, sparking creativity, and fostering personal development. The physical act of walking encourages a natural flow of ideas and a deeper connection with the environment. David draws inspiration from historical figures like Coleridge and Wordsworth, who valued walking as a means of creative and philosophical exploration. He also references thinkers such as Nietzsche, emphasising the importance of engaging with the natural world to gain insights and foster creativity.

The conversation delves into the developmental aspects of David’s approach. Unlike traditional consultancy, his method is active and engaged, focusing on the journey and shared experiences rather than passive reflection. This approach helps artists and individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their work. Dave discusses the need for sustainable social change through the arts. He critiques the short-term nature of many art projects and emphasises the importance of creating lasting impact by integrating meaningful personal and community development into artistic practices.

The episode touches on the challenges faced by artists, including issues of validation and recognition. Dave shares how his approach helps artists navigate these challenges by fostering a supportive community where their work is valued, and their creative journeys are respected. Looking ahead, David envisions expanding the reach of Arts in Development, building more robust networks of support for artists, and continuing to explore innovative ways to integrate art into community development.

This episode provides a rich exploration of David Richmond’s philosophy and practice in arts development, offering valuable insights into how walking and community engagement can transform artistic practice and personal growth.

Louise Bretland-Treharne grew up in a small village called Cribyn near Lampeter in Ceredigion. Louise now lives in Johnstown on the outskirts of Carmarthen town. She is a writer, storyteller and poet living with Ataxia and other medical conditions which involve cognitive changes. Louise is also in recovery from womb cancer.  

Louise’s writing is based on many themes, such as raising awareness of disabilities, motherhood, animals and nature, grief and loss, landscape, humour, health and social care. Louise has published a memoir, and her short stories and poems have been published in magazines, newspapers and on digital platforms on the national and international scene using the languages of Welsh and English.

Louise spoke with ArtWorks Alliance about the benefits of creative practice, both as a therapeutic activity, and also as a way of realising the creative self that is often inhibited through social pressures.

Thanks to Bill Taylor-Beales for soundtrack extracts.

Today’s conversation at the ArtWorks Alliance member’s online drop-in focussed on Participative Arts and Inclusion for People with Disabilities. Taking part in the conversation were Rebecca Manson-Jones, Amanda Castro, Rob Watson, Bill Taylor-Beales, Emma Long, Sarah-Jane Mason and Rob Watson. We discussed the need to recognise support, facilitate, empower and inspire people with disabilities and people with different social abilities as artists and as participants in art. We asked how the experience of people with disabilities can be better represented and understood in participative arts practice, and what concerns need to be recognised and dealt with to value the contribution of everyone in society, regardless of the challenges that they may face.

The prompt for our conversation was a recent article for ArtWorks Alliance by Sarah-Jane Mason, who shared her concerns that the language of accessibility and inclusion, does not always suit the needs of people with disabilities who want to access and fully participate in the arts: https://artworksalliance.uk/sarah-jane-mason-participative-arts-and-inclusion-for-people-with-disabilities/

To join the network that is forming as a result of these conversations, please email disabledartistsatwork@gmail.com

We used the Social Model for Disability Language: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/social-model-disability-language

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www.sarahjanemason.com

Instagram @sarahjanemasonartist

In the first ArtWorks Alliance podcast, Jade Sturrock from Glasgow Can, Bill Taylor-Beales from Hushland Creative and Rob Watson from Decentered Media, chatted about the potential of participatory arts to transform learning and education by pursuing the potential for ‘positive disruption’ that participatory arts represents.

Ken Robinson videos:

Does Education Kill Creativity?

Changing Education Paradigms

From Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces article: https://everydayfeminism.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/from-safe-spaces-to-brave-spaces.pdf

Philipa Perry: The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)

Donaldson Welsh Curriculum Review

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This is a test podcast with music: “Above the Rain (Excerpt)” by Alex Bainter which is licensed under CC BY 4.0