Get to Know Arts In Action

Arts in Action was originally birthed in 2015 when I begun facilitating some Home-ed workshops in homes of friends and was commissioned to run some thematic based workshops in schools alongside a part time teaching post. I started prepping to come out of mainstream teaching full time.... However I had a slight detour when I was offered the opportunity the be part of a team setting up a brand new school, where I could build a department from the ground and implement my own curriculum design... and so... I ended up back 'in school'. I spent 7 years building a thriving Art and Photography department for 11-18's. It was a fantastic opportunity in a school where the arts were valued and the Head was supportive and trusted my curriculum development. I learnt a lot building everything from scratch, was highlighted by Ofsted for responsive and differentiated teaching and learning practices, 'where learning was most effective', I met some amazing young people along the way, with a record number going to art school and into creative careers. I am privileged in being able to continue to walk alongside several pervious students and have been able to employ a number on different projects as they work their way through Art School or University, and enter the work place as Artists.

 In August 2022 I felt it was time to finally take the plunge  and dip my toe in the the possibilities of finally 'ending' a 20 year teaching career, and began taking on community contracts, art social action projects,  commissions and private students alongside my teaching contract, with a 12 - 24 month 'transition-plan' ....... Things took off slightly quicker than I expected, when I was awarded several community and social action commissions within the first month of dipping my toe in! Things fast tracked and I was able to leave teaching 'in school' withing 4 months  not 24! Fully launch Arts In Action in Jan 2023! 

Early 2023 I also began to I set up the charitable side of AIA, 'Arts In Action CIO' a Community Interest Organisation,  I was providing free sessions that promoted well-being, community-voice, confidence building, and personal development to diverse groups within the community and I could see a huge need for more opportunities as waiting lists grew. Many of the people where need was greatest are not in the position to  be able to pay for sessions...and I... was not in the position to fund everything personally indefinitely .So the charity was born! Constitutions written and policies in place along with a Board of Trustees (Below) we are just waiting for our confirmed charity number at present.