Sixth Sense Theatre to Present 'A SENSE OF SELF' Community Diversity Event, Oct 19

Sixth Sense Theatre, Swindon's only professional Theatre Company is teaming up with Swindon Borough Council and Arts Council England to find out about Swindon communities at a free seminar that will be held at The Platform.

The afternoon will be an informal, inclusive and interactive session that will explore Swindon's communities past, present and future. Artists, heritage, culture and community groups are invited to share ideas and energies for future events and projects.

The event, titled A SENSE OF SELF: SWINDON'S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE DIVERSITY, will be held on Monday 19th October from 2 to 4.30pm at The Platform, Swindon, SN1 5BJ.

The event will include a range of activities including:

- Cllr Garry Perkins gives us an introduction to Swindon's diverse community history (a knowledge he once shared with Sandi Toksvig on Radio 4)

- Tangle, the new SW Black and African Caribbean Theatre Company, will introduce their new touring and education programme

- Amanda Rice, Nationwide Building Society, Head of Culture and Inclusion will share their award-winning business approach

- Helen Swanson, Head of Drove Primary, Swindon's most diverse primary talks about her school's experiences

Information regarding diversity will also be shared throughout the event:

- Arts Council England's 'Creative Case for Diversity' strategy

- Ways into funding

- Sharing of best practise

- 'British Values' in the new National Curriculum

- Developing a community and sense of 'place'

- Business and Cultural partnership work

Mark Powell, Artistic Director of Sixth Sense Theatre, said, "When people complain that Swindon has no clear identity we all know that they are wrong. One of Swindon's challenges is to express and engage the many interesting people that make up our community. It's easy to forget just who our neighbours and fellow citizens are."

Helen Miah, SBC Commissioner for Arts and Culture, added, "Swindon has always embraced change and we have a richness of artists and arts organisations ready to showcase our community. This event should be an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the town and its amazing creative potential."

The event has been shaped by Nick Stephenson (SBC Change Lead: Equality and Diversity) and Ruth Kapadia, ACE (Arts Council England) South West Diversity Manager and will include a friendly analysis on how the creative community can go about sharing, assessing and reflecting Swindon's diversity through arts and community projects.

To find out more and to reserve a place on Monday 19th October please contact Sarah Wrixon, Company Manager, Sixth Sense Theatre 01793 614864 or sarah@sixthsensetheatre.com.

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