In early July I had the chance to be a part of a very busy day which was set up to explore the community arts, those from the movement of the 70s and those going on in today’s community groups and centres. Alongside Mat Norman, I filmed interviews and workshops that were held as part of the day, and am now working through the footage and interviews to draw out and share the similarities and differences of the two practices. I find it fascinating both as a filmmaker and workshop practitioner to see how things have changed, particularly the challenges that community artists faced then and now. The general mood of the day, however, was one of hope and energy for the positive impact that art can have in the community. I hope the film will be as inspirational as the event was; for current practitioners and those who hope to get involved in the arts.

See the organiser’s blog here.