Our Hopes
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of music and the arts in all their forms. We are dedicated to promoting, improving, and developing public education through diverse initiatives and engaging events. Guided by our trustees, we strive to enrich our community's cultural landscape and inspire creativity and passion for the arts in every individual.
Our Focus Areas
Organising Live Events
Developing a variety of live music and arts events throughout the year, creating vibrant cultural experiences for the community.
Supporting Local Talent
We will actively seek opportunities for local musicians and artists to participate in community events and workshops, fostering their personal growth and skill development in the arts.
Inclusive Programming
We will offer a range of performances, workshops, and events that cater to artists at all levels, ensuring that individuals of all ages can engage meaningfully and enhance their artistic abilities by collaborating with local schools, the council and local businesses.
Selection Criteria
To maintain high standards, we have specific selection criteria to assess events and performances, ensuring they provide artistic merit, educational value, and align with our charitable objectives.
Through these initiatives, we will promote community engagement, support local talent and enrich the cultural landscape in Ampthill and surrounding areas.
Year 1: Foundation & Awareness
Objectives:
- Establish the organisation's presence and credibility
- Develop key partnerships and engage local stakeholders
- Raise awareness of the importance of arts and culture in the community
- Ampthill Big Tent Weekend
Key Actions:
Legal Structure & Governance:
- Register as a charitable organisation
- Form a board of trustees with a diverse range of skills (legal, finance, arts)
- Create a constitution outlining the mission, vision, and governance structure
- Put together a team to launch and deliver the landmark - Big Tent Weekend
Fundraising & Initial Grants:
Secure seed funding via local council arts grants, Arts Council England, and community foundations.
Apply for small grants from local businesses and national arts organisations (e.g., The National Lottery Community Fund).
Outreach & Partnerships:
Build partnerships with local schools, councils, libraries, and community centres.
Engage local artists and art educators to volunteer and contribute to initial programming.
Connect with businesses and local venues to sponsor exhibitions or offer space.
Marketing & Branding:
Develop a brand identity (logo, website, social media presence).
Engage in local media (newspapers, radio) and attend community events to promote the organisation.
Create a quarterly newsletter to share updates with the community and donors.
Programme Launch:
Begin with small-scale events like art workshops, pop-up exhibitions, and community meet-and-greet sessions to introduce the charity.
Host a local artist showcase to build interest in the charity's goals and invite the community to participate.
Key Metrics:
Secured £10,000 in initial funding.
Launch a minimum of 2 workshops and 1 large community event combining music and creative workshops.
Grow mailing list to 500 subscribers and social media following to 1,000
Establish partnerships with 5 local institutions.
Year 2: Expansion and Growth
Objectives:
- Expand the reach and variety of programmes.
- Increase funding and revenue streams.
- Strengthen community involvement and membership.
Key Actions:
Programme Development:
- Launch new arts workshops, including youth arts education, cultural heritage projects, and public art displays.
- Partner with schools to introduce arts curriculum enhancement (e.g., after-school art clubs or exhibitions of student work).
- Introduce a "Local Artist Residency Programme" where selected artists can use workspace in exchange for community outreach efforts (e.g., teaching workshops).
Membership & Volunteering:
Develop a membership programme for supporters of the organisation, offering benefits such as exclusive event invites and merchandise.
Establish a volunteer programme with defined roles (e.g., event coordination, marketing support, artist liaisons).
Sustainability & Partnerships:
Secure long-term sponsorships with local businesses and organisations.
Apply for larger grants through organisations like the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and private foundations.
Collaborate with local councils to explore public funding options for arts and culture.
Fundraising & Events:
Host an annual fundraising events such as a charity art auction or gala.
Launch a merchandsise line featuring artwork by local artists.
Expand crowdfunding efforts and encourage local donations through regular community outreach.
Marketing & Visibility:
Increase social media engagement through campaigns, artist spotlights, and live events.
Participate in larger cultural events or festivals in nearby cities to expand our reach.
Create partnerships with local media outlest for ongoing coverage.
Key Metrics:
Secure an additional £10,000 in funding from grants, sponsorships, and events.
Grow membership to 75 active members.
Hold 6 workshops, 2 exhibitions, and 1 annual fundraising event.
Increase social media following to 2,500 and mailing list to 1,500 subscribers.
Year 3: Consolidation and Long-Term Impact
Objectives:
- Establish the organisation as a central hub in the community.
- Deepend community engagement and expand outreach to undeserved groups.
- Partner with a business or several businesses who will sponsor and underpin the events programme.
- Ampthill Big Tent Weekend
Key Actions:
Programme Expansion:
- Offer specialised arts education programmes targeting marginalised communities (e.g., low-income families, elderly residents).
- Expand artist residency programmes and increase collaboration with national and international artists.
- Establish an ongoing relationship with a local business who will offer continued support.
Get In Touch With Us
Leave us a message or better yet, see us in person! We're open to ideas and looking to collaborate so feel free to chat to Mariella, Ben, Jon or Nikki when you see us.
Registered Charity Number: 1210751
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