Posts by devstaging
A Spiralling Mind Online
Odd Arts delivers issue-based creative programmes for vulnerable and excluded groups. The company uses specialist applied theatre and creative techniques to address and explore contentious and challenging issues. Our focus is on developing a learning environment which both enables young people’s creativity, critical thinking and empathy as well as helping them to develop understanding and resilience to negotiate complex life challenges.
Read MoreDiary of International Interns during Covid 19
It was cold November 2019 in Germany, I was sitting at my desk on my Laptop and my eye came across the name of Odd Arts on my University’s placement list. I looked them up and they caught me right away – I loved their concept and their work so I tried my luck at applying for an internship. Luck was on my side as a lecturer was already in contact with them and said they could take two interns in. I sent my CV over and got an interview with the CEO. On the day of my Skype interview, I was so nervous and anxious but luckily for me the interview was really good and Odd wanted to take me in as an intern. I was so happy I could have jumped through the roof (I didn’t do it though!) and when I heard Oli would be joining me, I was even happier! After that, it was all about doing the paperwork so that I could actually start at Odd Arts in March with the agreement from my university.
Read MoreThe Ebb and Flow of Hate Speech
After the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, Islamophobia was fuelled and religiously aggravated hate crime more than doubled in Greater Manchester.
Read MoreCase Study: Odd Arts
Odd Arts deliver arts projects and work creatively with vulnerable and at risk groups. This includes working with young people in the criminal justice system to help reduce the risk of offending, improve self-esteem and confidence, and help build safer communities. They have been delivering Arts Award for many years.
Read MoreForum Theatre and Stigma in the UK & Uganda: Is it mad if it works?
I have recently returned from a trip to Butabika Hospital for the “mentally ill”, not far from Kampala in Uganda. The trip was part of a project set up by Sharing Stories – in layman’s terms, a small group of UK & Ugandan psychologists and mental health service users dedicated to improving well-being for people experiencing and working with mental health issues. The idea is that both countries are on an equal footing, neither is more important or knowledgeable than the other, but both have lots to give and learn.
Read MoreApplied Theatre – measuring what works and what matters (and really believing it)
I know, I feel and I see that what Odd Arts does – works. It changes people’s way of thinking and seeing the world; it opens up new opportunities through self-belief and realisation of personal ability; it empowers people to find ways to challenge the things or people that harm us. Proving this is another matter. Of course, we should have to prove we make a difference. There is ever growing scepticism of charity morals and we are at a time of national austerity – proving our impact is necessary and right.
Read MoreIsolation to Radicalisation … What do we know now?
As someone following Odd Arts you are most probably already aware of our project ‘Isolation to Radicalisation’. Over the last 6 months we have documented our journey ‘posting’ quotes, pictures and daily reflections of the workshops online.
Read MoreManchester & Boston Radical Exchange: Shared approaches to tackling radicalisation & extremism
Radicalisation is a complex, vast and contentious issue. Society has generally been sceptical of the Home Office PREVENT strategy, and often people avoid the subject matter out of fear of offending or worsening a situation, and sometimes because they simply don’t know what it means … and this is understandable! In a nutshell, the approach we take to tackling radicalisation is:
Read MoreMy experience with Odd Arts
I took part in Project8, This was held at a Local Youth club Powerhouse in Moss Side. Odd Arts collaborated with Rathbone to do this workshop around Mental Heath and to help us learn about Leadership skills which the goal was to help work on presentation skills, team work, coping with problems and to help with confidence and creativity of the young people.
Read MoreOdd Arts
Odd Arts Community Interest Company was founded in 2004 and is committed to working creatively with vulnerable and excluded groups for positive and realistic results. The company manages and facilitates creative, issue- based workshops within the Criminal Justice System, community and education sector. These workshops consist of combining art forms including drama, film, photography and creativity.
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