Evidence
"Published academic research reports on the role of Odd Arts’ theatre & its ability to increase life-skills, critical-thinking, communication and wellbeing."For more information about our workshop programme
Odd Arts takes evidence and evaluation very seriously. We have three formally published reports and are currently working with further evaluators to measure project impact. Our CEO sits on the committee for the National Arts Alliance for Criminal Justice. We have a comprehensive theory of change that is fluid and ever-evolving, please email info@oddarts.co.uk if you would like a copy of this.
Below you can find existing reports which are all published on the NAACJ Evidence Library.
University of Central Lancashire on Odd Arts
BROAD Building resilience & overcoming adversity through dance & drama
This report evaluates the impact our programme BROAD (Building Resilience and Overcoming Adversity through Dance/Drama) had on those participants we worked with within a prison and criminal justice setting. BROAD is a partnership project between Odd Arts and Company Chameleon.
This report evaluates the impact our programme BROAD (Building Resilience and Overcoming Adversity through Dance/Drama) had on those participants we worked with within a prison and criminal justice setting. BROAD is a partnership project between Odd Arts and Company Chameleon.
Some of the key findings within it show that BROAD targets violence reduction and self-harm in three ways:
The module:
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Exercises and activities with gradually increasing levels of difficulty. These developed participants’ self-confidence and willingness to do more challenging work.
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In reflective discussions, where facilitators provided participants with alternative frameworks of thinking informed by trauma-informed and non-violent communication approaches.
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Enjoyable and supportive physical and expressive activities focused on the expression of thoughts and feelings about violence and self-harm related issues.
University of Central Lancashire on Odd Arts
Creative Leadership and Forum Theatre
The report evaluates one of Odd Art’s creative programme that uses applied and forum theatre to increase leadership and skills.
The following key outcomes of the Odd Arts Creative Leadership programme all demonstrate factors related to confidence, self-awareness and self-presentation, and, therefore, skills and capacities required to show creative leadership of self and others and negotiate entry into the world of employment.
The module:
- Raised self-esteem, enabling re-evaluation of past ‘failures’ and future opportunities
- Developed awareness of imaginative approaches to life and problem-solving
- Demonstrated to participants that creative activities offer opportunities for self-expression and peer recognition
- Enabled participants’ voices to be heard through theatre increasing their ability to communicate
- Enabled participants to share and reflect upon apparently intractable issues that might otherwise have remained unexpressed
- Developed a feeling of empowerment and personal authority, highlighting aspects of leadership other than rule-bound discipline
- Increased appreciation of the nature and benefits of teamwork
- Provided an opportunity for pleasure, freedom of thought and a sense of release that was obtained through being able to participate in the creative process
Manchester Metropolitan University on Odd Arts
Applied Performance Arts Interventions within Justice Services: Moving Forward Toward an Integrated Sustainable Evaluative Approach
This report evaluates the impact of a resettlement programme using forum theatre and therapeutic creative delivery in prisons, adult resettlement centres and secure units.
It focuses on the impact good partnership has on effective projects as well as the need for long-term sustained work in prisons to ensure the highest level of impact.
The evaluation summarises the main findings:
- Development of confidence (beneficiaries)
- Increased ability to work in diverse groups (beneficiaries)
- Development of peer support / education / empathy (beneficiaries)
- Expertise and professionalism of Odd Arts staff
- Odd Arts approach (gamification in applied arts based intervention / quasi-covert theme embedded in programme)
- Importance of integrated planning and evaluation with host organisation
It also investigates the challenges of evaluating applied theatre.
Empower people to change their lives
Odd Arts is working tirelessly to address the challenges of a society facing increasing division, violence & isolation.
Odd Arts gives people the skills, hope, voice & confidence to make positive change to their own lives.
