Case Studies

making it_is an enterprise development programme for recent graduates being provided on behalf of Newcastle City Council between September 2009 and May 2011. It is led by the Ousesburn Development Trust and delivered by Culture Works, Conversations with Purpose, and People Into Enterprise.

Outcomes (taken from participants feedback and testimonials)

“The programme has given me the focus I need to kick-start our company. Bite size workshops that deal with the issues needed to start up. Activate has been my blueprint. Without it I would still be talking instead of doing”. (All for One Productions, a community film company that empowers groups to tell their story).

In October Rebecca Casey of Sole Searchers won the Newcastle Enterprise award for the Star Beginner. Rebecca says ‘it is fantastic vindication to receive an award for the business we are so passionate about from business people here in Newcastle and the Making It_ programme provided me with practical training and support to help make my business dream a reality’
“Has really opened up possibilities, sharing skills, knowledge, very motivating.
Thanks, loving it!” (Crafternoon)

Visit our website to get the full picture.

North East Cultural Leadership Programme

Culture Works co-ordinated the delivery of this programme which ran between January and December 2010.

“NECLP is needed. This is the overwhelming view of everyone consulted. In summary, it is sector led and is delivered locally; has the track record and contacts to build on; offers value for money utilising the resources of the sector; instigates collaborations and networks; fosters confidence at individual, organisational and regional levels; champions diversity and the interdependence between large and micro organisations; encourages shared learning, peer support and reflection which enables strategic thinking. This programme managed to provide an inspiring experience that can only motivate for a more exciting regional, cultural sector” (taken from the external evaluation, 2010)
Download more info here

Measuring Value

How do you capture the value of what you do in terms other than jobs created or saved - especially if that's not what you set out to do? How do you convince funders that they should invest in you? How do you stay confident in your belief that what you do is making a positive difference?

We think we have found a way of measuring value that could work for people in the cultural sector and are currently piloting work with Pen and Tonic and Tin Arts, two of the region's participatory arts organisations. We are using Social Return on Investment - a way of measuring and ascribing value to the process of change. To find out more, click here

You can visit our SROI blog as well