Our work includes devising participatory workshops that allow communities to explore different aspects of the world they live in, including heritage, environment, arts and crafts. We believe that everyone is capable of creative expression; that artists can work with a broad spectrum of individuals without compromising artistically or aesthetically; that contemporary artforms can be stimulating, challenging, and engaging for all.
Five Valleys Foyer is a charity which supports disadvantaged, excluded and homeless young people aged 16 to 19yrs, who are in the NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) group. They work in a creative way to encourage and assist their development and transition back into education and work.
Five Valleys Foyer is a charity which supports disadvantaged, excluded and homeless young people aged 16 to 19yrs, who are in the NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) group. They work in a creative way to encourage and assist their development and transition back into education and work.
The two companies wish to work together in a long term partnership, to deliver a series of participatory workshops that will allow the young people supported by Five Valleys Foyer to work alongside professional artists to develop and extend their skills, confidence and community spirit in a supported workplace environment. Each project will culminate in professional performances and exhibitions which will be open to the public.
Red Dog and FVF have successfully worked together on two previous projects, one in 2007 (Wool, The Cotswolds and Shakespeare) and one in 2009 (Sky Bound). The feedback and outcomes for the young people involved has very positive, ranging from the acquisition of new skills, increased confidence and new work placements to the development of their focus and commitment to a project. The projects allowed the young people to explore heritage, arts and crafts skills, design concepts and production processes within the context of a play, with particular contributions in the areas of costume, soundscapes and sound effects, music and front of house. This work is a unique way of giving both practical value to the skills they are learning and an artistic voice to them, as part of a team that will bring professional and inspiring theatre to Stroud.
Red Dog and Five Valleys Foyer partnership
“I was shocked and amazed for 2 reasons. The 1st was that I was actually doing this task and 2nd was that you could make a corset out of paper.” Student
“Challenging to do something new and to try out new things, even if you don't want to do something, so it's a good thing to work on a positive attitude.” Student
“Challenging to do something new and to try out new things, even if you don't want to do something, so it's a good thing to work on a positive attitude.” Student
“I’m really pleased with its result. I really had fun .....I wouldn’t change anything in the day as it was amazing.” Student
“A fantastic project to have been involved in. Feedback has been extremely positive and it has been an invaluable experience for everyone involved. ” Tutor
“A fantastic project to have been involved in. Feedback has been extremely positive and it has been an invaluable experience for everyone involved. ” Tutor