Creative Alternatives (360G-ocf-a061600000mjXqG)

Creative AlternativesThe new programme will foster creative self-exploration, self-expression and self-empowerment through artistic use of the latest online learning environment and webinar technologies. As part of this project we will research the latest online learning platforms, to envision the best format for Creative Alternatives Online, combining live webinars with recorded audio and video content, forums and social media technologies for creative community interaction. To date, no such sophisticated online arts and wellbeing platform and programme exists in the UK. We propose the following pilot activity to research the scope and efficacy of an online approach to arts and wellbeing: • The project timeline is 5 months. The project team is fully established. The project will commence in January 2017. • For this pilot we are focusing on people based in two locations: The first location is St.Helens (Merseyside). The second location is to be identified (likely a locality where we have contact with another arts organisation with aims similar to our own). We are intending to focus on two localities to ensure we have local support for promotion and client support. 20 participants (10 in each location) will be recruited to partake in a live online wellbeing workshop series: 12 sessions, including one welcome meeting and a final evaluative ‘moving forward’ meeting. The sessions will be held within an appropriate learning environment hosted by Alef Trust. • Month 1 will focus on research and customisation of the online environment, as well as the establishment of the second project location, and the setup of the project steering group and working processes. Once the second location has been confirmed, promotion and client recruitment will commence. • Months 2 - 4 will focus on design and delivery of the online service. The pilot will be underpinned by an action research model, ensuring that practice evolves alongside delivery, constantly refining the output on the basis of client feedback. • Month 5 will focus on project evaluation & envisioning of further scale-up / roll-out to widen provision to other areas in the UK.