Blue Wave reflections & outcomes
Author: Constance Humphries
Project: Blue Wave
Blue Wave believes in the transformative power of Art and Creativity to develop critically engaged, socially equitable, and integrated coastal communities that celebrate diverse cultures. Through dance, they foster a sense of belonging and self-discovery, providing marginalized communities with opportunities to deeply engage with their local marine environment and heritage. Creative activities like improvisational dance, visual journal making, and sustainable costume-making serve as vehicles for expression and connection, empowering individuals to explore their identities and celebrate their cultural perspectives.
At the core of Blue Wave's approach is community-driven collaboration, bringing together creative communities, local communities, and marine environment/heritage specialists. By facilitating dialogue and co-creation, they generate new knowledge about the unique role of the Arts in addressing complex social problems faced by marginalized populations. This cross-sector cooperation uncovers alternative and creative solutions that have a profound impact on the lives of those on the margins of society.
Blue Wave is committed to developing pathways for emerging creatives within identified community groups. They provide resourced opportunities for teaching, leadership, and collaboration, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to professionally delivered projects. Mentorship is fostered through knowledge exchange and professional development workshops in collaboration with Sunderland College, offering ongoing support and skill enhancement for participants and artists involved in the Blue Wave initiative.
To ensure their work is responsive to the needs of marginalized communities, Blue Wave collaborates with community sector specialists in ACE Priority Places. Partnerships with organizations like Sangini, FODI, and NEMP address the unique challenges faced by these communities. Through culturally relevant activities, Blue Wave recognizes and promotes the rich expertise and experiences of communities lacking opportunities to connect with their local coastline. Their initiatives contribute to skills development, integration into local communities, and enhanced physical and mental well-being, fostering empowerment and agency among historically marginalized individuals. Through continuous collaboration with community sector specialists and community members, Blue Wave deepens their understanding within the dance and cultural sector, enhancing their ability to effectively respond to the diverse needs of migrant and marginalized communities.
Key outcomes:
Development of critically engaged, socially equitable, and integrated coastal communities.
Celebration and appreciation of diverse cultures in the region.
Fostering a sense of belonging, self-discovery, and personal growth through dance.
Creation of opportunities for marginalized communities to connect with their local marine environment and heritage.
Cross-sector collaboration and co-creation between creative communities, local communities, and marine environment/heritage specialists.
Generation of new knowledge regarding the unique role of the arts in addressing complex social problems.
Establishment of pathways for emerging creatives within community groups.
Provision of resources, teaching, leadership, and collaboration opportunities in a professionally delivered project.
Enhancement of physical and mental health and well-being through cultural activities and outdoors exposure.
Deepening understanding within the dance/cultural sector to better respond to the needs of migrant and marginalized communities.
These outcomes highlight the focus on community development, cultural enrichment, personal growth, environmental connection, collaboration, knowledge generation, inclusivity, and well-being within the Blue Wave initiative.