Diversity and Inclusion Working Group: Update October 2011

Education and Community Partnerships
Objective: Opportunities to promote equality and diversity related activities/events across College and the wider community are furthered.
Key in year events 2010/11 included:

• Plymouth Mela: In partnership with the Barbican Theatre and the Plymouth South Asian Community. PCA conducted a series of workshops to compliment activities taking place across the city. Over 600 participants took part in PCA activities.
• Riga Art School: Working in partnership with the Janis Rosnetiel School of Art, Riga, Latvia and through partnership arrangements with the Leonardo de Vinci Project, PCA hosted 2 teachers and two students from Riga as part of possible exchange opportunities, which are ongoing.
• In Fashion: Working with parents and students from 3 Aimhigher identified Widening Participation areas of Plymouth. A partnership with the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, who provided TR2 as a venue. 40 participants were involved in the 6-week project.
• Chinese Festival: In partnership with the Plymouth Chinese community, University of Plymouth Faculty of Arts and Plymouth Chinese Association. A weekend celebration of Chinese culture through the arts. Over 400 participants  
• Creative Opportunities: (Creative Space project): To kick -start schools awareness of British Art Show 7. Working in Partnership with the University of Plymouth Faculty of Arts, Plymouth Children Services and the Barefoot project. Working with students aged between 14-16 from the Plymouth schools and travel to learn regions. A series of workshop activities spanning art, design, media, performance and music. Attracted over 300 participants.

An exhibition was held at the Scott Building as a follow up to the event attracting 250 people comprising parents, teachers, friends and family members.

• Big Arts Festival: Working in partnership with the Barefoot project and Plymouth local community organisations, PCA staff and student ambassadors led and assisted with art in the community events in city locations.
• Saturday Arts Club: 160 students aged between 4-8 (working with parents) and 9-16. In partnership with the Sorrell Foundation, 46 students took part in the 14-16 National Art and Design Saturday club.
• Aimhigher: Plymouth partnership with Cornwall, North Devon and South Devon as part of Strand 5 activities (see newsletters, right)

Key planned events 2011/12 to include:

• Respect Festival: In partnership with the Barefoot project, PCA staff and student ambassadors will work with selected primary schools to conduct workshops and arts based activities celebrating ethnic diversity across the city.
• Comenius Project: A schools working partnership with Germany, South Estonia, France, Greece and Holland through the Comenius project. Some initial work was conducted during last term with Yealmpstone Farm school as an introduction to the project, which is in its formative stages.
• Creative Studios: Three-day summer arts activities for 14-16 age ranges in Plymouth and travel to learn regions. Working in partnership with the Plymouth University Faculty of Arts, Plymouth Children services, Barefoot and to include Plymouth City College. Activities to take place between 9-11th July 2012.
• Fashion in the Community: Partnership with RIO and community groups in WP target areas of: Devonport, Keyham, St Peters, and Maurice Town. Work will engage students, parents and key influencers in raising awareness to arts progression. The project will culminate in a fashion show to be held at the Devonport Guildhall. Work will involve staff and students at PCA from across a range of arts subject areas.
• Saturday Arts Club: approximately 170 students enrolled across age groups spanning 4-8 (with parents) and 9-16 years. The 14-16 age range of 44 students will work in partnership with the Sorrell Foundation as part of the National Art and Design Saturday Club, drawing together 18 colleges and universities country-wide. 
• Plymouth Mela: Initial meetings held
• Big Arts Festival: Planned workshops with selected primary schools
• Staff and student exchange bid: Leonardo de Vinci Project bid in progress
• Educational and Community Partnerships: Strategic objectives 2011/12