This September Megan and some Creu Cymru members went on a valuable Curated Visit to Bristol. Formerly known as “Go and See”, this is a CPD opportunity that gives access to insight and action research, building networks and learning.
Dylan and David from Bristol Old Vic gave a fascinating tour of their 2016 refurbishment, taking in some interesting history and how materials were chosen to contribute to a warm and welcoming front of house experience. This was particularly useful for Meirion and Chris from Pontardawe Arts Centre who are in the midst of their own venue refurbishment and building work.
A focus of the day was on the visitor experience, so it was particularly useful to hear the lessons learned regarding their wet and dry sales and the opening hours at the welcome desk. The group visited a range of other local arts venues with a focus on café bar design and signage. Sustainability and the role of using local produce to both reduce carbon footprint and give a unique sense of place were themes of the day.
A visit to the People exhibition at M Shed provided a chance to reflect on the anti-racism work being undertaken at our organisations and the importance and impact of decolonisation.
The Curated Visit ended with a meal and performance at Tobacco Factory. Follow The Signs is a fully BSL-led hip-hop gig theatre show telling the story of dancer and choreographer Chris Fonseca, following him through his life as he explores his identity as a Black Deaf man. It was the largest Deaf audience we have ever seen and Megan has followed up with the venue about their marketing and audience development work. The show was engaging and entertaining and was received really well.
The action research from Curated Visits is invaluable and this full day was also a great networking opportunity for members. We’re keen to offer more Curated Visits as part of the CPD offer included in your Creu Cymru membership which can inspire and inform your missions, strategic priorities and programming.
FEEDBACK from the Bristol Curated Visit:
We found the day really useful. It’s always good to take a step back out of the usual routine and take a look at the bigger picture, and to get other peoples perspectives on similar situations you find yourself in. Visiting the Old Bristol Vic gave us great confidence in what we were doing with our own refurb and we also came away with a couple of extra ideas, such as the FOH kiosks. It was also a day of variety, being able to take in the Black lives matter exhibition at the M Shed and the BSL performance at the Tabaco factory. We would like to thank you for a great curated day in Bristol and look forward to the next one.
Meirion Gittins, Pontardawe Arts Centre