Rural arts: a discussion document for the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

A study was carried out to assess the feasibility and potential for the Gulbenkian Foundation to adopt a rural arts policy within its arts programme. The objectives were to: identify issues which are pertinent to the provision and development of arts in rural settings in the UK, define what is meant by rural; identify a range of models of good and/or innovative practice; present options to the foundation for future actions. The key relationship being considered was that between arts development and community development. Issues involving the contribution arts can make to contemporary rural challenges were of central interest. The report is divided into the following sections: practical problems of rural arts funding; amateur and locally created activities; the arts and practical community development; arts and the rural inheritance - the future of country people and rural culture; arts and the rural environment; communication; examples of good or innovative practice and constructive thinking; and a review of other funding bodies in rural areas..