A Revolut(i)onary Practice?

Introduction by the author

These case studies don’t relate to projects and activities as much as to methods and approaches.

Using three ‘cases’ — work in two geographical neighbourhoods and the young creatives programme — we explore and begin to map out how Revoluton are approaching the work, and why this approach matters.

The approach taken to writing this piece is explicitly narrative, arising from conversations with members of the Revoluton Arts team, plus focus group discussions with their key partners for the three case studies as well as observation carried out over nearly a year as Critical Friend to the programme. This isn’t an academic study, but an attempt to begin to articulate what is a very instinctive practice, using the words of those involved, but noting where it links into thinking from elsewhere.

Revoluton Arts are successful in building trust with individuals and groups who tend not to work with formal organisations; they have avoided falling into the standard cliques of a town with numerous fault lines. They are greeted with joy and welcome, cited as the exception to the norm.

What is it that they are doing right?

About the author: Dr Ruth Melville

Dr Ruth Melville is an experienced researcher with a practice that spans academic, practitioner and consultancy research and evaluation.

Ruth has 20 years’ experience of research design and analysis within the cultural, regeneration, environment and social inclusion sectors.