Exchange - Artist-Facilitator Training 2024
“An invaluable experience, I feel I have up-skilled in my facilitation practice and grown new contacts and connections across the creative scene of the Midlands” - Exchange 2024 Participant
“A joyous, kind and rich experience that has improved my knowledge and confidence as a facilitator.” - Exchange 2024 Participant
“It's so rare to be able to see other practitioners work as we're so often by ourselves delivering workshops so being able to dedicate space and time has been invaluable.” - Exchange 2024 Participant
Exchange was a two-day training workshop designed to support and upskill Artist-Facilitators working across the Midlands. Participants were paid for their time, allowing them to learn without financial barriers or concerns.
Led by the Calathea Arts team, Exchange focused on building confidence and sharpening facilitation skills for working with young people and community groups. It was all about levelling up, sharing knowledge, and connecting artists who are passionate about making creative work with and for their local communities.
Over two dynamic days, participants took part in:
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Facilitation skill-swaps
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Practical upskilling sessions
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Peer learning and networking opportunities
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And the chance to share their own creative practice - ranging from poetry and circus to theatre and dance.
Exchange created a space that was energising, supportive, and full of talent. Whether artists were just starting out or looking to grow their practice, the workshop offered real tools, real connections, and real inspiration.
Photography & Videography:
Kirkpatrick Photography
Exchange was such a valuable experience not only for participants but for us as leaders to learn from the incredible artists in the room, to up skill and share our experiences working in community settings. We need more funders to invest in this type of work to ensure young people and those in community settings get the quality of care, skill and arts engagement that they deserve.” - Fran Richards, Associate Artist
