The Art of Conversation: Membership or Bust

Yesterday I attended a first-class meeting organised by VA Scotland in Glasgow. The meeting, entitled ‘The Art of Conversation: Membership or Bust’ addressed issues around membership, members and how to communicate with them, including the use of digital communication. Many of the discussions fit very well into the current and future work BFBB is proposing to do regarding digital communication, mad4bb, barriers to participation and potential solutions. There were exercises looking at how to develop membership and keep in touch with members and there was some discussion about a proposed Voluntary Arts Celebration week to enhance participation & recognition for arts groups that may well interest brass bands. Some good work on the Scottish Arts scene arts is been undertaken by Debbie Dow, who I was pleased to meet at the event. She is the Voluntary Arts Ambassador for West Lothian and a member of Newlands Concert Brass. She will be able to provide Scottish brass bands with information about various events in Scotland generally and the West Lothian in particular. She will also be able to provide information about ‘People Making Waves: Make a Splash!’ and how Scottish Brass Bands can get involved with the Cultural Olympics. Why not take a look at her website www.deborah-dow.com.

Make a Splash!

‘Make a Splash’ will create a cultural legacy in Scotland from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is supported by Legacy Trust UK and by the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council. Making Waves will connect the people of Scotland with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Olympic Movement. The Scottish Community Foundation is administering the ‘Make a Splash’ grants programme on behalf of Voluntary Arts Scotland. It will give a chance for brass bands in Scotland to participate in the experiences of the Cultural Olympiad. The BFBB Development Officer has further information regarding grants of £250 – £2,000 from the ‘People Making Waves: Make a Splash!’ grants programme and application forms.