What was the X-tend Programme?

The X-tend Programme was a major, new, professional training and development initiative by People Express.

It supported local artists, at different stages of their careers in Community Arts, to become freelance 'Project Managers', whom People Express could then employ to take on the development and day-to-day management of projects. With a pool of skilled, experienced freelance managers, whocould act as ambassadors for the organisation with a shared vision and sense of purpose, People Express' capacity to work with excluded groups would be increased. Back to top

Why was it needed?

After 10 years People Express was struggling to meet community needs, particularly in the rural areas. Supporting excluded groups to become self-sustaining, a key objective of our work, took 3 to 5 years and relied heavily on the Director's time and input, limiting the number of groups that could be worked with at any one time. Back to top

What did it involve?

Paid Development Time - Opportunities for the artists to develop their 'working practice'   i.e. practical community arts work with a range of excluded groups Paid Learning Time - Opportunities for artists to develop their 'reflective practice' i.e. analysing and learning from experience Group & Individual Training Programmes - provided in-house and by external Consultants Skill Sharing between artists and staff

An induction to People Express Back to top

What did it achieve for People Express?

Access to a pool of local freelance managers who can act as ambassadors for People Express Treble the number of projects and participants to previous years Greater coverage of the district Increased project income Higher local profile Greater number and range of excluded groups engaged Back to top

What did it offer artists?

A unique paid training opportunity Employment progression into management status Greater employment security through involvement in People Express' project planning process

New opportunities to work with and learn from other artists

A sense of belonging rather than isolation

Opportunities to 'talk shop' - sharing good and bad experiences Better understanding of arts funding

The opportunity to contribute to the development of culture and local communities in South Derbyshire Back to top

What did offer the community?

Access to a wider range of art forms Longer and better relationships with artists Greater access to community arts