Arts Engagement & Outreach: May 2025 News

Arts Engagement & Outreach: May 2025

Here’s a taste of what our Arts Engagement & Outreach team at The Octagon & Westlands have been busy working on this month…

Our Arts Engagement & Outreach team develop and deliver programmes and activities that benefit health and wellbeing, enrich learning and education in and outside school, inspire and celebrate talent. Creating work that will support local artists and tell “local stories”. In everything we do and programme we will seek to improve inclusion and remove barriers, whatever they may be, so that everyone is able to enjoy and benefit from the creative arts.

This May, we partnered with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) to host a captivating orchestral concert for 1,500 KS1 students from across Somerset, over 78 students were inspired by our Creative Careers Talks, and more than 15 artists received mentorship and guidance. Plus, thanks to our Accessible Ticket Scheme, over 20 people were given the opportunity to attend Menopause the Musical 2. Read more below…

Participation

A Cultural Dance Delight

This month, we hosted an Indian Dance Masterclass and curtain-raiser with members of Nina Rajarani's Dance Creations company where local participants had the chance to learn classical Bharatanatyam style dance techniques. They then performed their newly acquired skills as a curtain-raiser for Nina’s solo show EkatA at Westlands Entertainment Venue on Monday, 12 May 2025. The group of 8 local dancers, some of whom attend weekly Bollywood classes at Westlands Entertainment Venue, spent 3 hour immersing themselves in this classical Indian dance style and learning the routine. Their performance beautifully showcased traditional storytelling and celebrated cultural innovation through dance, engaging new and diverse communities.

“Attending the 3-hour Indian classical dance masterclass was an experience I will cherish deeply. As a dancer, it felt like coming home to the roots of our tradition - every moment was a reminder of why I fell in love with this art form in the first place. Performing as a curtain raiser was an absolute honour.” Participant

Igniting Imagination

With funding from the Somerset Inclusivity Team, we delivered three one-off inclusive contemporary dance workshops for participants aged 7–12, 13–17, and 18+. Led by our inclusive dance teacher, Anna Golding, the sessions offered a welcoming and supportive introduction to contemporary dance – many participants were trying it for the very first time. Although some were initially cautious, they quickly grew in confidence and enthusiasm, fully embracing the creative experience. Anna brings a wealth of expertise in making dance accessible to all, and participants were able to let their imagination flourish in the nurturing, friendly environment that was set up. Anna leads weekly inclusive dance classes as part of The Octagon Academy and also runs No Limits, her own integrated dance group based in Bridport.

“I didn’t just like the workshop—I loved it!” Participant

Creative Learning & Education

Over 1500 young people were captivated by BSO live performance

As part of our Creative Learning & Education Programme, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) delivered a special concert at Westlands Entertainment Venue, welcoming over 1,500 students from 31 schools across Somerset. Presented by Neil Valentine and conducted by Enyi Okpara, the concert offered students an inspiring introduction to the world or orchestral music. A highlight of the event was a song co-created by the students during in-school workshops with BSO musicians, which everyone proudly sang together at the end of the concert. Feedback from teachers was overwhelmingly positive, describing the event as a unique, enriching experience that sparked curiosity, creativity, and joy amongst the students.

 “One of our SEN students was resistant to joining the concert trip but with support from the school and his family he was able to attend. Afterwards the student said how much he had enjoyed the music and learning about all the instruments though the concert, his mum has said he now listens to classical music at home.” Headteacher

Artist Support

Supporting local artists

This month, our Creative Idea Fund closed with a total of 10 applications. The fund supports independent creatives, community groups, non-profits, and charitable companies to deliver creative art projects that benefit local residents and visitors across Somerset. In the lead-up to the deadline, we provided ongoing support to applicants – offering guidance, answering questions, and helping to develop and shape strong, high-quality and impactful applications. Additionally, 5 local artists received one-to-one support and advice focused on career development, funding advice, and expanding creative ideas.

"It was really helpful. Even just chatting it through helped to unscramble my thoughts.” Local Artist

Creative Blog celebrates community togetherness

Our monthly blog continues to grow in readership, highlighting the inspiring creative work taking place across somerset. Our blogs are published monthly and can be found on the news section of our website. In May, we featured a heartwarming story about a community-led production of Peter Pan by the Apple Orchard Players, supported through our Creative Commissions Grant. This rural theatre project brought together children and young people to take part in Stage Craft workshops, where they helped build and paint the set and props used in the show. Many of them also stepped into the spotlight as the ‘Lost Children’, bringing the magical story to life for a local audience. Our blogs are a great a way to keep up to date with inspiring stories from local artists and groups.

“This blog really highlights how important it is for artists to be supported - and the impact their work has on local communities.” Reader

Explore this blog, and more stories, in the News section of our website.

Talent Development

Inspiring the next generation

This month, we delivered a Career Talk at Warminster School’s Arts Award Ceremony, reaching 78 students, staff, and guests. Representing The Octagon & Westlands, we spoke about the breadth of creative career opportunities in theatre and the wider arts industry—encompassing performance, production, technical, and administrative roles. This is part of our wider programme of talks across primary, secondary, and further education settings, designed to open young people’s eyes to careers in the arts and to celebrate the sector’s importance to the UK economy. The event was a celebration of how the arts can provide fulfilling, dynamic, and rewarding career opportunities.

“It was interesting finding out about all sorts of job opportunities, and I learned a lot about the sort of jobs that I may be interested in when I'm older. Thank you so much!”  Student

Arts for Health & Wellbeing

Celebrating Creativity and Wellbeing Week

In May, we proudly embraced Creativity and Wellbeing Week, shining a light on the transformative power of the arts on mental, emotional, and physical health. Our creative Health & Wellbeing projects across South Somerset continue to make a real difference, helping people connect, stay active, take notice, keep learning, and give – five proven ways to support wellbeing. From music to movement, our sessions enrich lives and nurture communities. Our creative dance project, Movement Through Cancer is a beautiful example of this in action. Each week, up to 14 participants come together to move, connect, and experience the joy of dance.

A recent survey found that 100% of participants feel these creative sessions help them better manage their health and wellbeing. A powerful testament to the impact of creative engagement.

“I’ve enjoyed the expressive and creative dancing – I’ve found myself moving in ways I hadn’t thought of before. It’s opening up new possibilities for me. I’m regaining social confidence and feeling more positive now.” Participant

Access & Inclusion Schemes

Making theatre accessible to all

Through our Accessible Ticket Scheme, over 20 individuals were able to attend a performance of Menopause the Musical 2—a warm, witty, and laugh-out-loud production exploring the ups and downs of menopause. Audiences left feeling uplifted, seen, and reminded of the power of shared experiences and friendship. Our Accessible Ticket scheme supports individuals of all ages to attend shows at The Octagon & Westlands, who might not be able to afford the opportunity otherwise. We are thrilled to see our Accessible Ticket Scheme continuing to grow and enabling members of our community the opportunity to enjoy the magic of live performances. 

“Due to both my own and my husband’s disabilities causing us to change our lives dramatically, we are trying to restart lives and access our community, enabling our son to be able to experience the theatre (and other opportunities) that he hasn’t been able to before due to health and financial restraints. This will support this and make such a difference.” Accessible Ticket Scheme Member

Find out more about the scheme here: Accessible Ticket Scheme

To keep up to date with all the activities coming up head over to the What’s On section on our website or check out our Participate page which will link you to all our projects and upcoming opportunities.