About
Anita first met the directors of Avant Cymru when Arts Council of Wales approached her to provide ‘access support’ for a funding application for the company, as its directors are neurodivergent. This brings huge strengths to the company, but also challenges in applying for funding.
Avant Cymru is a company forged in the Rhondda valley and now based at Y/The Lab, a converted retail unit at Eagle’s Meadow Shopping Centre in Wrexham, north Wales.
Avant creates relevant, distinctive community arts: issue-based theatre, Hip Hop theatre and dance, as well as other dance, film, visual arts, music and drama experiences, with and for the communities it serves.
The people that Avant creates with are those who least engage with traditional arts and culture: from low income families; young people, particularly young men; many are disabled and have health conditions. The work is founded on strong principles of cultural democracy, relationship-based and trauma-informed practice.
How I helped
Anita met with Rachel and Jamie, two of the directors; discussed their vision, mission and values; what change they wanted to bring about.
Following that successful application we’ve worked together regularly on funding applications, with a good track record of success. This has included funding for Avant to set up a new multi-arts community venue in a disused shopping unit in Eagle’s Meadow, Wrexham.
Rachel and Anita have recently been contracted as a team by a funder, Taith, to provide consultancy to help them improve their funding guidance and processses for neurodivergent people.https://writing-services.co.uk/opening-a-community-arts-venue-in-wrexham-learning-so-far-and-a-call-to-action/
Anita has also evaluated Hip Hop Cymru, its Heritage Lottery-funded exhibition and related workshops and activities, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and its legacy in Wales.