- Arts-Engagement-And-Outreach-March-News-2025
Arts Engagement & Outreach: March News 2025
Arts Engagement & Outreach: March News
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 March, we partnered with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), to host a Dementia-Friendly Cake Concert at Westlands, with over 100 attendees, who enjoyed a trio of BSO musicians performing classical favourites while enjoying tea and cake in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Plus, 32 students participated in Creative Careers workshops that focused on developing fundamental skills essential for success in the creative industry, covering topics like establishing a company, self-producing and collaboration. Read more below…
Reminising over tea, cake and music
March saw the return of Bournmouth Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) ‘tea time trio’, as we hosted the BSO Cake Concert for the third year running at Westlands. The Dementia-Friendly Cake Concert was a huge success, selling out in a matter of weeks, and entertaining 100 audience members. The BSO musicians performed classical favourites while guests enjoyed tea and cake in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Live music has been shown to improve communication, trigger reminiscence, and enhance wellbeing for those living with dementia—and this event was no exception! The Cake Concert also raised £123 for the Alzheimer's Society.
“We are so grateful to Westlands Yeovil and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for supporting Alzheimer’s Society by collecting donations at their annual Cake Concert which will make a huge difference to the lives of people living with dementia.” Sian Johnson, Regional Fundraiser for Somerset at Alzheimer’s Society
“The music was beautiful. I was singing along, it made me happy. And the cake was delicious too!” Audience member
Health & wellbeing continues to flourish through the power of music
Our Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra and Time Together projects have had another successful term of activity, as participants’ health and wellbeing continue to flourish through our impactful music programmes. Led by musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, both projects have had a joyous few months of making music, learning new skills and connecting with others. The Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra, which is made up of 16 wonderful people who have faced mental health challenges, and our Time Together project for new mums and their babies, have become firm highlights of the week for members, as they recognise the emotional and social benefits these activities are bringing to all involved. We look forward to more creative sparks flying in our Wellbeing Orchestra when they return for another 10 weeks in April, and to meeting more mums and babies at our next Time Together programme in the Autumn.
“The sessions are so much fun – nice to have time with other mums and babies away from stress.” Participant - Time Together
“This is my favourite part of my week. I feel calm, happy, and included.” Participant - Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra
Making positive changes with the support of The Octagon & Westlands Inclusion Group
This month, The Octagon & Westlands Inclusion Group came together to share their insights on how we can continue to support our patrons effectively, while also identifying ways to further improve accessibility across our organisation. The group meets three times a year to discuss how we can remove both physical and perceived barriers that disabled people may face when attending our venues. Formed to place disabled people and those with lived experience at the heart of our organisation, the inclusion group plays a vital role in helping us identify best practices and deepen our understating of disability, equality and inclusion. Their invaluable input helps us better support, members, participants, volunteers, staff and visitors alike. Our goal is for everyone to feel listen to, valued and included, not only when visiting our venues but also across all our Arts Engagement & Outreach activities.
"Being listened to is one thing, but the speed with which the team puts changes in place and gets things done is incredible - and certainly a rare thing elsewhere! I will continue to use you as a shining example of excellence when talking to other businesses and organisations." Member of Inclusion Group
Empowering Artists through self-producing workshops
This month, we launched The Fundamentals, a series of workshops designed to help artists develop self-producing skills. Led by Jesse Briton (Holm Theatre) and Anthony Kosky (Artist Support Officer & Freelance Producer), the sessions welcomed a range of creatives looking to deepen their understanding of theatre production. The workshops were attended by 6 local creatives and artists. A highlight of the day was a virtual talk by the award-winning CEO of Selladoor Worldwide, David Hutchinson, who shared insights on transitioning from UK fringe producer to global commercial producer.
“A unique opportunity to learn about this essential part of the industry. I found it enormously helpful and informative, especially at this stage of my journey. Insightful. Reassuring. Inspiring.” Participant
Opening career pathways for Young Creatives
This month, our Careers Talks programme reached Yeovil College’s Media and Art students. 32 students participated in Creative Careers workshops that focused on developing fundamental skills essential for success in the creative industry. The workshops were based on the fundamentals of theatre producing, covering topics like establishing a company, self-producing, and the transferable skills that apply across all artistic disciplines.
During the workshop, students actively participated in hands-on activities and discussions, they gained insight into the challenges and opportunities in the creative industry. As they collaborated with peers, they began to connect their skills and passions to potential career paths, reflecting their interests in fields like film, theatre, and digital media. The workshop sparked curiosity, helping them recognise their strengths and areas for growth, which in turn inspired them to consider how they could contribute to the creative industry in unique and meaningful ways.
“Inspirational, Helpful & Educational” Student
“It was informative and allowed the group to express what they liked about media, their future and skills within the class as I didn’t know some of the classes aspirations” Teacher
Enhancing creativity, fitness and wellbeing through our new Octagon Academy classes
This March saw the expansion of our participatory classes at Westlands Entertainment Venue as part of our Octagon Academy participation programme. Through the Octagon Academy we offer a total of 22 weekly classes at the venue, from dance to theatre to music and singing suitable for all ages and abilities. The latest additions are ChiChi Fit, a dance exercise class to musical theatre tunes, and the ever-popular dance style, Line Dancing, with both classes being held on a Thursday at Westlands. An incredible combined total of 50 people attended in their first week. Over the past three months, we’ve held 184 classes with over 2,300 participations, highlighting the growing demand for accessible and engaging creative activities in our community.
“I’d definitely recommend the class; we learned 5 routines in an hour. It was so much fun.” Participant
Supporting the community
We were delighted to take part in the Chard Together event, where residents came together to celebrate the rich diversity of their community. The day was filled with vibrant traditional music, dance, crafts and food, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere at the Guildhall. Hundreds of people attended, making it a true celebration of unity and culture. In addition to the cultural festivities, many local organisations were on hand to showcase the fantastic opportunities and support they offer the community. We had some wonderful conversations with attendees about the services we provide, including our Octagon Academy participation programme, SHiNE Bursary Fund, Octagon Buddies Scheme, and our Accessible Ticket Scheme. We also hosted a creative craft workshop, giving visitors the chance to make their own beautiful rose or design a magical beast - tying in perfectly with this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.
“The work you are doing for the community is fantastic” Member of the community
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.
Conversations