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Our mission is to affect change through the research and production of creative, socially engaged work.  We are committed to artistic investment and challenging thinking that encourages community co-operation and cultural representation.  

 

We are currently working on:

Archive Toolkit, ACE Sustained Theatre Initiative

As Part of ACE Sustained Theatre initiative, Hybrid is producing an Archive Toolkit.  This has been developed in partnership with organisations such as National Archives, Heritage Lottery Fund, and arts organisations participating in our action research approach.  The toolkit will include questions, answers (!), case studies, development agency contacts and plenty of links to websites with targeted information.  Information ranges from complex digitisation guidance to stockists of cardboard boxes. 

Cultural Consultants, Wiltshire Music Centre

Hybrid has been working with WMC since July 2008, as part of a 3 year organisational development programme.  The work has been fascinating and staff at WMC fully committed, keen to engage and extremely capable.  The centre overall has an excellent reputation in the region, although it was largely un-used by BME communities in the area prior to this project.  We have worked within the organisation, with staff, drawing individuals into the space, as well as consulting beyond the organisation with community organisations, individuals, professional arts organisations, artists, local authority officers, equalities officers amongst others.  Our work plan was structured within the following thematic groups and we have sought to address each of these, although priority has differed and some fields have progressed more than others, in keeping with a long term, 3 year approach:

 

1.         Mapping/ Research

2.         Training

3.         Project Development

4.         Advocacy

Inside Out Festival, Dorset Theatre Promoters Consortium

Hybrid is working with the Dorset Theatre Promoters Consortium to carry out organisational development of the Inside Out Festival.  Hybrid is running visioning days, developing the organisational infrastructure, applying for funding and reviewing partnerships.  The festival aims to offer “extraordinary art in extraordinary places”. 

Marketing and Sales Training, ACEWM

Hybrid, in partnership with Arts Council England West Midlands, delivered this unique course (IP asserted). For artists feedback and comments see the forum 'Evaluation Comments'.

 

Strategic Theatre Development, Mid Point

Hybrid is working with Mid Point, a theatre sector collective in the West Midlands to explore how the region might engender increased collaboration and strategic development. A working group will establish potential models and routes forward, considering both strengths and weaknesses of the region. Hybrid staff will advise the steering group on project planning and delivery, attend all events, and prepare a final report for distribution to the mid*point membership, and also to venues and arts organisations within the West Midlands and nationally. The report will review the outcomes that have been achieved through the project - for example:

 

  • What new plans and initiatives have been developed as a result of the project?
  • What partnerships been forged between venues and companies, that may lead to new commissions, co-productions, etc.?
  • How has the project helped the development of artists, arts organisations and the creative economy?
  • How has the project promoted cultural leadership?
  • How has the project helped to promote cultural diversity in the sector?
  • How has the project improved the performance and productivity of arts organisations and the arts sector?

 

The report will also seek to develop proposals for ways that collaboration and dialogue between venues/promoters and theatre companies can be developed and sustained after the end of the project.

 

Whose Story? The National Trust  

Hybrid is working with Whose Story? staff to evaluate the success of this initiative.  Whose Story? is an audience development and outreach programme based within 4 very different properties and spaces in the West Midlands. A range of work is taking place to connect new audiences to the sites and deliver innovative and engaging events. The programme of work includes organisational and staff development, volunteer recruitment, outreach projects, activities and events.

 

Hybrid has considerable experience working with The National Trust. This began when we were asked to carry out research exploring audience development.  We ran a series of focus groups with young people, community groups and arts professionals at three National Trust properties.  In order to encourage engagement, we worked with an artist to deliver these.  The participants therefore benefited from a more creative experience than conversation alone might have achieved. The focus groups provided staff with considerable insight into processes of engagement as well as existing perceptions. Alongside this we carried out wide ranging one to one interviews with community groups, individuals and National Trust staff.  We produced a comprehensive report that included wide ranging recommendations for National Trust staff; the report contributed towards the National Trust’s successful Heritage Lottery Fund application for £400k. A further report was commissioned which focused upon perceptions of National Trust parks and open spaces.