The C-Change Pilot Action Programme: Creative Messages

When the C-Change Network decided to create a pilot action programme (PAP), it didn't anticipate a global pandemic and subsequent lockdown. This is the Manchester story so far.

The C-Change Manchester team launched its pilot action programme in September 2019. It was able to match fund this pot so had a total fund of €10,000. The fund was open to all artists and culture based organisations across all the art forms. The criteria was not prescriptive due to wanting to attract innovative ideas for activities to engage with citizens and influence their behaviour change.

The call resulted in 15 applications, a panel of ULG representatives selected 6 projects and each of those was asked to produce a case study to demonstrate ways in which art can educate and influence behaviour change.

The projects cover a range of art forms – drama, media, music, exhibitions and festivals, and will target citizens including young people and families, artists, volunteers, media and business sectors. It will present a range of activities including performances, exhibitions, festivals, and interactive events, e.g. workshops.

Since their selection, the pilot action projects have started to plan and prepare their project activity. Most projects were scheduled to deliver their project March 2020 (just when lockdown started in the UK)

As an example, Brighter Sound have commissioned two young musicians aged 13-18 to write a piece of original piece of music in response to the current climate emergency.

The selected artists are being supported throughout the creative process with 1:1 mentoring from a professional musician plus a small budget which can be used for research, field trips to spark ideas, rehearsal time and costs to bring in other artists or additional equipment.

They will record their new work, gaining experience of a professional recording studio, as well as a tangible outcome for the project.

The music was due to be produced and showcased at ‘Sing City’, an established under 18’s gig night at Manchester’s infamous ‘Band On The Wall’ music venue. Unfortunately, this was postponed and they are currently looking at how this can be delivered in a different way.

A film blog is being created which follows the musician’s process, this will be a key part of the case study and a crucial part of the transfer process that we can share with others. We look forward to being able to share this and showcasing the journey alongside the live music in the future.

https://www.brightersound.com/playing-for-time-meet-the-artists/

Tasha Dowd (pictured) explains why she wanted to be involved in the project;

“Climate change means everything to me, it changes everything from how I live right now to how I’ll live 30 years from now. It affects my friends and family, it truly changes everything. The people meant to be helping us have their heads stuck in the sand, or they simply chose to ignore it. The government meant to be solving the issue is leaving it to the younger generations. Our voices need to be heard, we need people to realise and understand what will happen. I want this project to amplify not only my voice, but the voices of countless others.”

The Manchester team are liaising with the PAP project partners to determine how and when the projects will now take place. The project extension date to early June 2021 has ensured that we are able to continue with the creative initiatives and ensure they are delivered, just a bit later than planned.

Have a look at partners who are responsible for the creative climate change messages;

https://www.brightersound.com/

https://walktheplank.co.uk/

https://contactmcr.com/

http://cfcca.org.uk/

https://phm.org.uk/