Place and work

Amateur theatre, place-making and work

Place-making in cultural policy A Policy For the Arts: The First Step, 1965 The Culture White Paper, 2016 Both seek to extend the benefits of cultural activity to a wider social demographic and geographical area, emphasising cultural provision for those living outside London.

Place-making and the arts Amateur theatre was integral to the vision for nineteenth century industrial model villages, early twentieth century garden cities, and new towns after 1946 In 1965, Jennie Lee included the arts as part of her vision to cultivate a ‘new social as well as artistic climate’, particularly in the arts in new towns and garden cities. This included amateur arts.

The Arts and Place-making, 2016 • Increased cultural activity contributes to regeneration, wellbeing and economic prosperity.

‘Cultural place-making can shape the fortunes of our regions, cities towns and villages’ And the place of amateur arts?

Contribution to place-making • Sustained involvement in a company over time; • Creates resilience and local systems of support; • Generates bonds as audiences recognise and see local people in a different light; • Provides creative opportunities for local people; Often found in non-metropolitan places - towns, villages and suburbs - where professional arts provision is less regularly available; • Lampooning local politics and providing civic pride; • But does not yet represent changing demographic and cultural diversity.

From amateurs to volunteers Volunteering is a way for people of all ages and from all backgrounds and walks of life to get involved in cultural activities and support the work of cultural organisations. We will work with Arts Council England, Historic England and other publicly-funded cultural organisations to encourage more volunteering opportunities in the cultural sectors. (2016: 27)

Amateur Theatre in Factories and Factory Communities: Lost Vision

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‘It wouldn’t happen in Tescos’  Change from a jobs-for-life economy  Time less separated into discrete spheres of home and work, labour and leisure  Culture of short-term contracts affecting membership  Shift patterns and irregular hours make rehearsals difficult  Limited management support for amateur theatre  Blurring of amateur/ professional labour

But there’s still a John Lewis Partnership Amateur Dramatic Society

Work and Global Place British Airways Cabin Crew Entertainment Society

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BA as national identity and a global brand

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