How To Rally An Arts Club Around A Single Project

• LocationSouth East
• Type
• Salary
• Artformcombined arts, film, interdisciplinary arts, photography, music, theatre
• ContactRhonda Merrick news@katfm.org.uk

Description

Imagine running a non-profit arts centre that's actually not making a profit! In fact, it's teetering on the edge of financial disaster because the project's attracted so many people, it's outgrown your ability to do most things yourself but there's no hiring budget. Try teaching piano class, film club or choir whilst chatting with potential new members, who dropped-in to enquire about joining your club. I've done that, but without careful handling, it interrupts the flow of learning in class.

Anyway, there we were teetering... even as membership was growing. I thought 'Something must be done!'. So, I wrote a book.

On the surface this might sound slightly un-helpful in managing growth. But I teach weekly piano, filmmaking and production to several dozen people. After writing 'Pre-grade 1, Easiest Piano and Music Theory Book', I rallied the entire club around the project.

• Film and Production Clubs are making demonstration videos from the book. 
• Piano students are playing various examples for these videos.

Beginners use the book because it saves time and money. For £3.00 our students can download an all-in-one piano and theory book or buy a printed copy from our shop for £3.50. This is less than half the cost of buying 2 books at retail.

Now, everyone here is learning to read, write and play music to the same high standard. Result! But... some of you detail orientated readers might be wondering 'What about the kids TV show?'. I wrote a television series called 'The Brilliant Book' in 2014 and managed to get it on TV.

A group of 5-9 year olds are the 'Art Department' for Series 2 and they take their role very seriously. The Film and Production Club and Performance Choir are doing the audio/visual work and our Concert Band is recording the music for all 6 episodes. The project has attracted a couple volunteers and I've entered the wonderful world of funding with gusto if not finesse. We'll be alright and I have a feeling, if you read all this, you will too.

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How To Rally An Arts Club Around A Single Project