Working Together: Town Councils and Artists

This informal session brings together town council staff and artists to explore how town councils work, how they support local communities, and how artists and councils can build productive relationships.

Town councils play an important role in shaping and supporting the places they serve, from community events and public spaces to local projects, grant schemes and cultural activity. For artists, they can be valuable collaborators, commissioners, partners and supporters - but it is not always clear how councils are structured, who to speak to, or what opportunities might exist.

This event is designed to be useful for both artists and town council staff. Artists will gain a better understanding of how town councils operate, what kinds of projects they are involved in, and how to approach potential collaborations. Town council staff will have the opportunity to hear directly from artists about their experiences, needs and ways of working.

The session will be facilitated by Katie Etheridge, an artist and one half of the duo Small Acts, who have worked with Penryn Town Council on a number of different projects. We will hear from representatives from local town councils, including Richard James, Projects Officer at Helston Town Council, and Milly Mantell, Events Coordinator at Redruth Town Council (other town council representatives may also be joining us - watch this space for updates). They will each give a short introduction to how their councils are structured, the kinds of projects and events they deliver, and the ways they currently work - or would like to work - with artists. We will also hear a short case study from creative producer and theatre-maker Guy Watson about his experience of working previously with town councils.

The event will also offer a useful opportunity for staff and councillors from different town councils to meet one another, share approaches and make connections, as well as providing a broader networking opportunity for artists, council staff and others working in community and cultural projects.

There will be time for a facilitated discussion between artists and town council staff, offering space for questions, reflections and shared learning from both perspectives. Tea and coffee will be available afterwards for anyone who would like to continue the conversation informally.

This event is for artists, creatives, town council staff, councillors, community project leads and anyone interested in how local councils and artists can work together to support creative and community life in Cornwall.

Session format

The final running order will be confirmed, but the session is likely to include:

• A short introduction from Katie Etheridge, artist and facilitator of the session
• Short talks from town council staff about how their councils work and how they engage - or would like to engage - with artists
• A case study from creative producer and theatre-maker Guy Watson about working on creative projects with town councils
• A facilitated discussion/Q&A
• Tea and coffee with time for informal conversation

Whether you are an artist curious about working with town councils, or a council officer interested in collaborating more confidently with artists, this session will offer practical insight, honest conversation and a chance to make new connections.

We are grateful to The Goldsmiths' Foundation for supporting this programme.