ISSUE

March 56

VAN Update

2009
The voice of the Voluntary Arts
Creative communities are
sustainable communities
Any crisis, be it at individual, opportunity and respect for difference, happiness,
community or global level, forces an non-violence, friendship, self-respect, a sense of Contents
fulfilment, spiritual connection and a sense of the
urgent re-think of the way we live.
meaning of life. All these things are at the heart of
This time is no different. Pressures on Report . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
our flourishing as human beings and as members
the environment and current financial of society. They are what sustainable life is about. Case study . . . . . . . . . .3
dilemmas are forcing people to search And it just so happens that many of the benefits of
Legal issues . . . . . . . . .4
for new solutions. It is a very difficult participating in the voluntary arts embody these
values and are the underpinnings of a sustainable VAN news . . . . . . . . . .4
period to live through, filled with fear, way of living.
uncertainty and human suffering. Artists, perhaps more than others in the With this edition
However, times like this can also bring community, tend to be more open to questioning of Update
huge potential and opportunity, the status quo and to seeking new and more
appropriate solutions. Essentially, this is because the VAN Briefing 124:
promising real and lasting positive How to make sure your
arts help us to make sense of life. Exploring what life
change. And the voluntary arts have a means to us touches us deeply and enables us to act group is still here in
huge role to play – in creating and on and shape our lives. Sharing this process through
ten years’ time
sustaining a new way of living. metaphor (i.e. artwork) contributes to our VAN Briefing 125:
understanding of both others and ourselves. This Fostering a long-term
One of the biggest changes we have to make is in the relationship with
opportunity for self-expression, self-definition and
area of environmental sustainability and most of us, at occasional volunteers
the chance to see the world from another’s point of
least in the developed world, have begun to adopt
view in turn contributes to individual, social and
behaviours that protect and sustain our natural If your address or contact
community growth and cohesion. ‘It is through
resources. But what we are also starting to realise is details have changed, please
that it is not possible to separate our environmental let us know.
actions from the rest of our lives. It’s like a wave of
dominoes – as we change one area we find we have © Copyright notice: Unless
to change our behaviour, attitudes and values in other otherwise stated, all material
areas too. So, in tackling how we preserve our published by VAN is subject to
copyright. However, we do
natural resources we are having to harmonise human
encourage members of the
and natural systems and integrate economic,
voluntary arts sector to copy
environmental and social values and behaviour to and disseminate this material for
make the very way we live sustainable – so that we non-commercial purposes.
can thrive in the long term. Prior to doing so, please send
What’s this got to do with the voluntary arts? details of your requirements to
Well, many advocates of ‘sustainable community [email protected].
development’ emphasise both quality-of-life issues and We also require that you
the importance of group cohesion and a sense of acknowledge VAN wherever
community. They point to values such as co-operation, VAN’s five e-newsletters have been re-launched such material is used.

sharing, open dialogue and communication, creative with a new design

freedom and expression, health and wellbeing, equal See more details on page 4

N E W S F RO M T H E VO L U N TA RY A RT S N E T WO R K
 www.voluntar yar ts .org
CREATIVE COMMUNITIES ARE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

engagement with culture in its widest sense that world are already present in our communities. Our task is
people are enabled and communities strengthened.’1 to identify, develop and support these ‘arts assets’2 and
On an individual level, the enjoyment and pleasure gained encourage ways to build connections between them that
from participating in arts and crafts activities creates an will multiply their power and effectiveness.
all-round sense of wellbeing and happiness, reduces stress However, an essential key to the effectiveness of this
and anxiety and even helps healing in times of ill health. process is to recognise that most voluntary artists do not
Participation increases self-confidence and self-esteem and so work in isolation. They belong to an art or craft group. It is
improves people’s personal lives and their ability to make the social relationships that fuel local associations and informal
social connections – friendship is a vital element of fulfilled and networks, and the skills, talents and solution finding abilities
healthy living. All these factors are cited as good indicators of that these citizen’s ‘associations’ hold, that will come to play a
quality of life. vital role in creating a sustainable future. Associations, less
Engaging in social interaction through group arts activity is formal and much less dependent upon paid staff than formal
also important because it increases networking, co-operation institutions, are the very vehicles through which citizens can
and partnerships and enables individuals to gain new skills like assemble to solve problems, share common interests and
team work, negotiation, communication and administration. activities and create the glue that binds communities together.
As a result they become capable of setting up new activities This in turn creates a sense of empowerment and
and groups in the community – all of which contributes to ownership of the development process, which strengthens
local self-reliance and strengthens community co-operation. people’s confidence in their own capacities, inspires them to
Significantly too, the voluntary arts provide a means for take action and enables them to shape and determine positive,
people to share their cultures with others, thereby promoting and lasting, change. When this happens, people become
harmony, understanding, tolerance and co-operation between confident that they can count on their neighbours and
different communities. And voluntary arts activities can neighbourhood resources for support, and a sense of efficacy
encourage sociability in areas where social connection has based on interdependence and strength develops.
been eliminated by poverty, crime and mistrust – local arts Most communities harbour significant numbers of
groups enable people to become involved in community associations of various kinds, not least artistic and creative.
activities that are affordable, close to home, in a neutral and However, the depth and extent of this associational life in any
safe environment and appropriate to the backgrounds and community has been vastly underestimated. This is particularly
aspirations of the participants. Similarly, engagement in the true of socially excluded communities. Informal groups –
voluntary arts plays an important role in celebrating and those that already exist as well as new ones that will emerge –
preserving local cultures, traditions, and heritage which helps will be indispensable aids in the creation of a sustainable
to strengthen local identity. Residents who feel good about future, and many of them could become full contributors to
where they live are more likely to become involved in new the development process.
community schemes including environmental improvements. Given the significance of the contribution of artistic
Participating in the arts involves creative and innovative activity to sustainable communities, and the role voluntary
thinking and responsible risk taking. Overcoming risks such as artists and arts groups could and will play in the big picture of
those associated with identity, ability and relationships creates the future of the planet, we must ensure that the voluntary
confidence, flexibility and ‘risk competence’, attributes that arts are not overlooked by policy makers and funders in their
enable people to deal with the uncertainties and challenges of attempt to create ‘a better quality of life for everyone, now
the future. Creative citizens are more likely to recognise and into the future’. 3
synergies, make innovative connections and use their
knowledge and skills in ways that add cultural, social, political
and economic value to their communities. Participation in the
Diversity Update
The VAN Diversity Panel has been looking again at equal
arts therefore helps to foster people’s engagement in the
opportunities issues in relation to our employment and
wider civic process and to form and develop the sort of
recruitment of staff and volunteers, reviewing in detail the
communities they want to stay in.
So, what is exciting now, as we search for new direction, is VAN Recruitment and Selection Procedure created as a
that many of the skills and gifts, artistic and otherwise, that are result of the Diversity Panel’s last examination of these issues
necessary for the shaping and creating of a new sustainable in November 2007.
The Diversity Panel also analysed the first results from
the new VAN Diversity Monitoring Form. The form was
1 Donald Dewar, Scotland’s First Minister (1999-2000). developed by the Panel to create a consistent way of
2 Building communities from the inside out: a path toward finding and mobilising
community assets. Kretzman, J and McKnight, J.
collecting diversity monitoring information and processing it
3 www.defra.gov.uk/rural/strategy/default.htm methodically in order to identify any areas which need
improvement. All staff and volunteers have now completed
the form, giving the Diversity Panel the opportunity to
discuss current levels of diversity within the organisation and
2 to start to refine how answers to the open-ended questions
can be most effectively collated.
 www.voluntar yar ts .org
CASE STUDY

This is the ninth in a series of case studies that put UK- and Ireland-wide voluntary arts lead and umbrella bodies in the
spotlight. If you would like to help raise awareness of your work among peers and policy-makers by being featured in a
forthcoming issue, please email [email protected] .

SAA Society for All Artists

The SAA, Society for All Artists, is for everyone Freesat channel 406, this summer we will also be holding
with a love of painting! It believes in encouraging our very own show ‘It’s all about Art’ at the Business
everyone, from complete novices and hesitant Design Centre in Islington between 23 and 25 July 2009.
beginners to the legions of leisure painters and Here you can meet and be taught by professional artists
beyond. It has over 43,000 members in over 60 such as Terry Harrison, Geoff Kersey, Fiona Peart and
countries, making the SAA the most influential Jeremy Ford to name just a few.
and far-reaching society of its kind anywhere in the What makes painting so special?
world. With an ever growing ‘family’ of enthusiastic Painting is so much more than an enjoyable pastime – it
and eager artists, it’s not only the largest art makes you feel good, it’s a fabulous way to relax and be at
society in the world… it’s also the friendliest! one with nature. It’s a great way to build self confidence,
improve your skills, meet like-minded people and make
What does SAA do? new friends.
The SAA is here to inform, encourage and inspire all who Painting brings a fantastic sense of achievement when
want to paint. We supply inspiration, information, help and you complete a painting, whether you’re a complete
advice on a whole host of practical painting issues. Anyone beginner or a professional.
can learn to paint with the help of the SAA.
Our members receive the bi-monthly newsletter Paint, How would you advise someone to go about joining
which is filled with information, ideas and step-by-step a painting group?
projects, plus the Home Shop Catalogue which is filled with Art groups are for everyone, so don’t be put off joining an
quality discounted materials. All our UK mainland members art group if you are a complete beginner. Many people
also receive free post and packing. don’t join art groups because they believe they aren’t good
When you first become a member we send you a enough, but art clubs welcome all ages and abilities.
fantastic welcome pack to get you started which includes If you are brand new to painting, the best way to find an
a watercolour painting book, a set of Bockingford art group is to contact the SAA on 0800 980 1123 or
watercolour postcards, SAA car sticker and 500 loyalty simply visit the SAA’s website www.saa.co.uk, click on the
points to spend in our Home Shop. ‘local groups’ tab and search for art groups in your area.
Every year we run a number of competitions with If you don’t feel confident enough to join an art group
free entry to SAA members. The most prestigious is yet, join the SAA and learn to paint at home. Standard
‘The SAA Artists of the Year’ competition which has a membership starts from as little as £25 a year, so why not
£2,000 first prize. join? You’ve nothing to lose… and so much to gain!
How is SAA developing?
For further information
The SAA is an ever-growing
on SAA, visit the
society, getting bigger and better
website at
every year. We are continually
www.saa.co.uk.
working to improve the society
and get more people painting,
making learning to paint easy
and fun.
As well as sponsoring
‘The Painting and Drawing
Channel,’ which airs on
Sky Digital channel 166 and

Image courtesy of the SAA

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LEGAL ISSUES

Charitable Incorporated Organisations Sign up to the new-look VAN E-news!

The Charities Act 2006 set out a new legal form of
The VAN E-news has been redesigned! We have taken into
incorporation due to be introduced in England and Wales
account all the feedback we have received over the past year to
in 2009 – the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO or
create the new design. If you are a regular E-news subscriber, let
Welsh equivalent SEC).
us know what you think by emailing [email protected].
At present, charities can be registered companies – but this
If you have recently stopped receiving the E-news, please check
means that they have to comply with two sets of regulations,
your spam folder in case the new design has been identified
and provide accounts and returns to two regulatory bodies.
incorrectly by your email system.
The CIO is designed to combine the advantages of a company
structure (such as reduced risk of personal liability) and If you have not yet signed up for the E-news, you can do so
charitable status without the burden of dual regulation. Other today at:
potential advantages of the CIO are that it is meant to have • UK – www.voluntaryarts.org/news
fewer onerous requirements for preparing accounts and • England – www.vaengland.org.uk/news
reports, a single annual return, and lower costs. • Ireland – www.vaireland.org/news
Before the new form can come into effect, secondary • Scotland – www.vascotland.org.uk/news
legislation in the form of Regulations (which will set out how • Wales – www.vaw.org.uk/news
CIOs must be established and operate) is required. As part The new E-news design also features a weekly showcase image
of this process, the Office of the Third Sector issued draft from a voluntary artist or craftsperson. If you are a member
Regulations in a consultation that closed on 10 December 2008. of a voluntary arts lead or umbrella body and would like your
The Charity Commission and the Office of the Third Sector work showcased in a future edition, please email a good quality
are currently considering the consultation responses and a image to [email protected]. If you are an individual
report on the results will be available on the Office of the Third voluntary artist or craftsperson, or member of a voluntary
Sector’s website (www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector.aspx) arts or crafts group, please email the VAN office that
in March 2009. represents your nation (contact details available on the
Voluntary sector consultant Sandy Adirondack suggests VAN website at www.voluntaryarts.org).
that unincorporated charities that need the advantages of The VAN websites also now feature RSS feeds for users
incorporation should consider becoming charitable companies who wish to subscribe to news, jobs, funding, events and
now, rather than waiting for the CIO to become available. Sandy training items – for more information and to subscribe visit the
publishes a very useful legal update newsletter via email, which website and select ‘Subscribe via RSS’ from the left-hand menu.
you can sign up to through her website (www.sandy-a.co.uk).

VOLUNTARY ARTS NETWORK NEWS

People keep asking me how the voluntary Charities Aid Foundation into the effects of the recession of the
arts will be affected by the recession: early 1990s shows that one third of charities experienced a
the answer is that no one really knows. decrease in income, one third saw an increase and one third
It has been interesting, in meetings I have stayed the same. There is significant evidence that levels of
attended recently at the National Council volunteering increase during a recession, both with newly
for Voluntary Organisations and the unemployed people seeking to develop skills and make
Community Sector Coalition, to look worthwhile use of their time and with a general trend towards
Robin Simpson – at the impact of previous recessions on people valuing their communities and society more highly.
VAN CEO the voluntary and community sector. Interestingly, while there has been extensive research into
The evidence is mixed and often confusing, the effects of recessions on the voluntary sector, there appears
but there are some clear lessons from the extensive to have been very little comparable work done on the effect
research undertaken. on arts organisations. Intuitively it seems likely that, while
One fairly reliable indicator is that there is usually a nine to attendance at some professional arts events may fall (particularly
twelve month lag effect in relation to charitable giving, so the with people less willing to travel large distances to attend), local
voluntary sector typically starts to feel the bite of recession arts participation may actually increase as people look to stay
later than other sectors. Although financial downturns always closer to home and play a more active role in their communities.
result in the demise of some charities, the overall size of the Writing in the Making Music magazine Highnotes, Chief
sector does not seem to change very much – there are both Executive Robin Osterley said: ‘Unlike the professional sector,
winners and losers within the voluntary sector. Research by the amateur groups rarely rely extensively on external funding –

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VOLUNTARY ARTS NETWORK NEWS

primarily because they have a regular and guaranteed source of Voluntary Arts Ireland
income (membership subscriptions) and much lower costs.
Although many do fundraise, it is often for special events or Another way in – was launched in Downpatrick in January.
discretionary activities, so difficult times are more likely to cause Speaking at the launch, DSD Minister, Margaret Ritchie, said:
a cutback in their activities than threaten their very existence.’ ‘There is a real need to increase the number and diversity of
In November 2008 the Minister for the Third Sector, Kevin volunteers. These innovative projects will help to do just that.
Brennan, chaired a Voluntary Sector Recession Summit, organised They are the first of their kind on the island of Ireland.’ Both
by NCVO. We asked national voluntary arts umbrella bodies Minister Ritchie of the NI Department of Social Development
how the economic downturn was affecting them and their and John CurranTD Minister of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht
members and we fed their responses to NCVO ahead of the Affairs (RoI) attended the launch of this new initiative which
summit. The umbrella bodies told us they had seen little or no their departments are jointly funding. Partners in the project are
effect on their income so far but those with investments were the Church Of Ireland (Diocese of Derry and Raphoe) and the
naturally concerned about falling interest rates which had Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association.
significantly reduced the value of their reserves – and this might Voluntary Arts Ireland’s Isobel Cleary, based in Fermanagh, is
affect budgeting for the coming year. The Voluntary Sector project officer for Another Way In. She is currently recruiting
Recession Summit resulted in a Government commitment arts and crafts groups in Fermanagh, Donegal and Sligo for the
to working with the sector to develop an action plan. This first phase of the project. If you would like more information
£42.5 million plan was launched at the beginning of February. about the project contact Isobel at [email protected] .
While we wait to see how the voluntary arts copes, the one
Participation guide – directing people to where they can make
thing we can be fairly certain of is that this recession is likely to
or do art in their own local area is the idea behind our internet-
be different from any of its predecessors in all sorts of ways –
based guide to opportunities to participate in Northern Ireland.
and no one really knows what that will mean.
We are currently collecting contact information from all those
Robin Simpson, Voluntary Arts Network CEO who offer people the chance to participate at whatever level and
[email protected] in all art or craft forms. If you would like to know more contact
Emma Whitehead at [email protected].
Voluntary Arts England
Become a registered supporter – show your support for the Voluntary Arts Link
voluntary arts in England by becoming a registered supporter of Online voluntary arts photo gallery – we have launched a
Voluntary Arts England. In addition to receiving a certificate new online photo gallery using the image hosting website Flickr.
from us and having your name displayed on our website, as a Having a bank of photos of voluntary arts groups in action – to
supporter you will also have the opportunity to vote in our illustrate our own publications and pass on to the press and
Chair elections and most importantly you will joining the swell government departments – will raise the profile of the
of people already supporting our promotion of practical organisations involved and the voluntary arts in general. Taking
participation in the arts and crafts. You can download a form part in the gallery is easy. Simply click on the link on the left-hand
from our website at www.vaengland.org.uk or request one be side of our homepage at www.voluntaryarts.org for more
emailing [email protected] . It’s free to register – we’re information and a step-by-step guide on submitting your images.
raising recognition of your work, not money for ours. We do the actual task of uploading your images onto the gallery
Website – like all of the VAN websites, www.vaengland.org.uk and you have total control over the level of copyright and
features a wealth of information and resources for the amateur licensing on your image.
arts and crafts. There are now over 120 free VAN Briefings Link Events – the next Safety Audit: Children and Vulnerable
available to download covering a range of topics that will Groups event will be held in London in May. We will also be
answer most of the questions and problems your group may running an event for those wishing to create low-cost,
encounter. The Running Your Group section offers a step-by- sustainable websites later this year. For the latest details, sign up
step guide to those already running or those wanting to set up to the VAN E-news at www.voluntaryarts.org/news.
their own group, answering some frequently-asked questions as
well as highlighting other sources of information that may be of Case studies of national voluntary arts umbrella and lead
use. Groups and organisations can also use our free events- bodies – as part of our work to raise the profile of umbrella and
listing service to not only include their arts events or lead bodies over the last three years, we have compiled a series
workshops on our website but also have the details sent out of case studies on our website at www.voluntaryarts.org/13389.
in our weekly e-newsletter (see page 4 for more details) to If you are a umbrella or lead body and would like to be featured,
thousands of readers. please contact [email protected].

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VOLUNTARY ARTS NETWORK NEWS

BriefingXtra – national umbrella and lead bodies are receiving series of information and awareness-raising sessions supported
an additional item in this quarter’s Update mailing. BriefingXtra by a small grants programme. We are delighted to be working
is a one-off supplement to the usual VAN Briefings, allowing in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland, Demos
us to provide additional content of benefit to the sector. and Greater London Volunteering to take forward People
BriefingXtras will also be available for anyone to download Making Waves, which aims to connect thousands of volunteers
for free from the Briefings page of the website at across Scotland with the ideals of the Olympic movement.
www.voluntaryarts.org/briefings and in the Running Your Group ‘Make a Splash’ will help you encourage greater participation in
section. The first BriefingXtra is on making your group even
your activities and grow your audience. More details will be
more environmentally-friendly.
available soon.

Voluntary Arts Scotland

Voluntary Arts Wales
New work – following the appointment of two new members
of staff – a Sector Development Officer and Support Networks Cynffon y Ddraig – we had a very good response to our
Development Officer – VAScotland is about to embark on an bilingual newsletter, published in November 2008. The next
exciting new programme of work. Thanks to money from the issue, due out in spring 2009, will focus on the impact of the
Big Lottery’s Dynamic Inclusive Communities Fund, we are recession on voluntary arts organisations, implications of the
now able to run a number of initiatives, including a Scottish Licensing Act and an exciting project based in West Wales
Arts Ambassador scheme. This will tie in heavily with called ‘Diwylliant Bro’ (Culture in the Community).
Scotland’s Community Planning partnerships, and will involve
volunteers ensuring the voice of the arts and crafts is heard Welsh Language Scheme event – twenty-five participants,
loud and clear in all 32 local authorities. We will also be mainly from umbrella arts organisations in Wales, registered
running a series of seminars across Scotland on how to make for this event which was held in the Senedd, Cardiff Bay in
the best use of information technology within your group. February 2009. Experts and practitioners explained who needs
These will be based on a similar programme successfully run a Welsh Language Scheme and why, and how to go about
by Voluntary Arts England. Further information on our new preparing one. The Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones AM,
staff members, and how they’ll be spending their time, will spoke at the event.
appear in the next Update.
Recession and the Third Sector – an issue increasingly
People Making Waves – as announced on 12 March 2009, focusing people’s minds in the sector in Wales – particularly
People Making Waves is part of The Scottish Project, the Legacy on searching for financial support, dealing with the impact on
Trust UK’s Scottish regional project, supported by Scottish Arts services and activities and possible staff redundancies.
Council National Lottery fund. As part of People Making Waves, VAW has contributed to work being done by Wales Council
we have secured funding to create and deliver ‘Make a Splash’, a for Voluntary Action on this issue.

Information contained here may go out of date and you are therefore advised to check its currency.
Updated information may be available on the VAN website: www.voluntaryarts.org
Disclaimer: Reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the information in this document is accurate.
However, it is not intended to be legally comprehensive; it is designed to provide guidance in good faith at the stated date
but without accepting liability. We therefore recommend you take appropriate professional advice
before taking action on any of the matters covered herein.

Do you need this publication in an alternative format?

Contact T: 029 20 395 395 E: [email protected]

The Voluntary Arts Network, Ground floor, 121 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9PH
T: 029 20 395 395 E: [email protected] W: www.voluntaryarts.org
The Voluntary Arts Network is registered in Scotland as Company No. 139147 and Charity No. SC 020345.
VAN acknowledges funding from the Arts Councils of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Registered office: 2nd Floor, 54 Manor Place, Edinburgh EH3 7EH.
VAN Update is published quarterly and is distributed to all national regional and horizontal umbrella bodies working with local amateur and voluntary arts groups throughout the UK.
VAN Update is also distributed to local authority arts officers, the four national Arts Councils, ACE regional offices in England, and selected MPs and
Government Departments across the UK and ROI.
ISSN: 1357-504X

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