The Scottish Government

NAME OF PATHFINDER PROJECT Dundee City Council Pathfinder

Brief description

Within the selected community areas of Dundee, Networking Officers will be tasked to work with individuals and local groups to close the gap between the, mainstream cultural agencies which exist in the city and the residents of the locality. This will involve audience development; outreach work; dialogue; local delivery; up-take of spare capacity and research into existing and potential patterns of engagement/participation.

Overall aim

The primary purpose of the pathfinder is to close the gap between "mainstream" cultural agencies and those living and working in the North West and West of Dundee, thus impacting positively on the lives of those in the target communities through interactive cultural engagement.

Specific aims (list 4-6)

• To explore the notion of cultural entitlement further.
• To encourage people to exercise their entitlement.
• To take forward the concept of cultural planning.
• Increased understanding.
• Addressing perceived barriers.
• Promoting learning and empowerment.

Resources (inputs)

• 2x Networking officers
• Funding
• Steering groups
• Local communities
• Facilities
• Stationery
• Computers & Cameras
• Artists & various media
• Local and city wide organisations
• Clerical support
• Input from Cultural Agencies Network - DCA, The Rep, Scottish Dance Theatre, SPACE, Education Dept., Dundee City Council, Industrial Heritage, Sports development team, Dundee University, Abertay University.
• Subsidised performances
• Transport
• Costs - to be confirmed

Activities/services (outputs)

• Meet with local groups and individuals
• Use a range of consultation methods
• Develop and deliver a cultural event
• Develop action plans
• Notify local workers of cultural provisions, resources and events.
• Discuss findings with pathfinder steering group
• Work with Dundee University to develop a participatory evaluation approach
• Share findings with other pathfinder projects
• Regular meetings with other members of Cultural Pathfinder Project including the Scottish Executive, Scottish Arts Council and other local authorities.

Indicators for key performance aspects (list 2-3 for each key aspect):

• Activity (output) - a) Work with established groups involving all stakeholders.

b) Use a wide range of media and resources to make local communities more aware of cultural provision.

c) Engage community members in cultural activities through collaborative practice with members of the Cultural Agencies Network.

d) Carry out an extensive investigation relating to current cultural trends and the notion of culture in the target areas, along with a limited investigation at city-wide level.

• Participation (output) - a) Seek to obtain in-depth information from 15 females relating to experience of participation in Pathfinder project.

b) Seek to obtain in-depth information from 15 Young people relating to experiences in Pathfinder project.

c) Seek to obtain in-depth information from 4 community groups relating to their experience of pathfinder project.

d) Seek to obtain information from 5 cultural agencies.

• Satisfaction (outcome) - a) Community members are satisfied that they are more

aware of city wide cultural activities.

b) More aware of local cultural events.

c) More aware of cultural resources.

d) Satisfied with delivery of Pathfinder project.

• Impact (outcome) - a) Improved networks with cultural agencies.

b) Improved contact levels with cultural agencies.

c) Cultural agencies will be more visible in local areas.

d) Improved usage of facilities and resources.

e) Locals more likely to use city wide provision.

f) Reduction of perceived barriers to participation.

g) Communities will develop better social networks.

• Value for money (output and outcome) - a) Cost of event.

b) Cost of staff and resources.

c) Cost of training.

d) Commitment of partners.

e) Improved use of facilities/venues.

f) Stronger healthier communities.

Data collected:

Baseline data

• Proposal
• Current perceptions of cultural entitlement and cultural agencies within target groups.
• Baseline non existent as Pathfinder Project will establish this over the course of the year through consultation.

Interim report stage

Final report stage

Outcomes

Clear understanding of current position of cultural activities in targeted communities.

An understanding of the notion of culture in the target areas.

Progress information (how is the project developing/did it develop, compared with the original plan?

Ongoing efforts to meet local community members, workers and stakeholders in target areas.

Ongoing reflexive journal by Network officers

Main learning points

• IT Support is very important.
• Networking of vital importance.
• Important to understand the aim and approach of relevant agencies, partners and community members.
• Offering encouragement and support through participatory engagement.