Powys Shared Prosperity Fund Report

The "Stiwdio Dyfi Creative Spaces and Outlets Summary Report" outlines the outcomes of several pilot creative projects in the Machynlleth area which were funded by the Powys Localities Initiative.

The projects include:

1. Sôs Coch Sinema: A Community Cinema project with screenings at MoMA Machynlleth's Tabernacle Venue and village halls. Challenges included technical issues and seating comfort.
2. Hwb Ffasiwn Da: A textiles project involving workshops and a fashion show. The need for a clothing collective was explored, and demand for more fashion events and workshops was identified.
3. Radio Dyfi: A pilot radio broadcast project with broadcasting days and workshops.

Successes of the projects include generating excitement, fostering socialization, providing training opportunities, and enabling local practitioners to reach audiences.

Challenges encompassed limited lead time, technical problems, and difficulty obtaining participant feedback.

Findings revealed demand for local radio, textile industry events, regular cinema provision, and suitable screening spaces. The financial sustainability of community cinema was questioned due to licensing costs, leading to the suggestion of a new system for rural areas.

To improve, capturing workshop participant feedback through surveys was recommended, and utilizing local village halls for screenings was considered beneficial.

In conclusion, despite some challenges, the Creative Spaces and Outlets projects were generally successful, positively impacting the community and raising the profile of Stiwdio Dyfi CIC as a creative organisation.

Stakeholder Management Officer:

• The officer established and maintained relationships with local businesses, organizations, and governing bodies for the Creative Spaces and Outlets project.
• A stakeholder report was prepared for future reference.
• Successful engagement with local stakeholders, fostering innovation and community cinema projects.

Community Engagement Officer:

• Evaluated community needs and quality of engagement during the CRF project.
• Used various methods, including surveys and dialogue, to gauge project impact.
• Challenges included time constraints and language barriers.
• Found that longer lead times, bilingual marketing, and immediate feedback collection were important.

Workshops:

• Conducted multiple workshops, including radio, sewing, and fashion-related topics.
• Challenges with bilingual programming and feedback collection.
• High demand for creative workshops, particularly radio.
• Workshop attendance and success varied.

Marketing:

• Collaborated with Just In Time to promote Creative Spaces and Outlets project.
• Used social media, print media, and partnerships for effective marketing.
• Reached a wide demographic and created a strong email database.

Co-ordination, Project Management & Admin:

• Coordinated workshops, volunteers, and DJs effectively.
• Managed administration, bookkeeping, and budgeting.
• Project management was successful, but some improvements needed in booking systems and lead times.

Notable Outcomes:

• Seed planted for a comprehensive community cinema project.
• Innovation in cinema software and licensing model.
• Successful digital skills workshops and broadcasting.
• First-ever Industry Fashion Show held.
• Strengthened organizational profile and local audience.
• Opportunities for local technology company and collaborations.

Challenges and Findings:

• Challenges included being a new organization and short lead times.
• Localized marketing infrastructure lacking.
• High demand for creative sector activities and bilingual communication.

Conclusion:

• The CRF project helped Stiwdio Dyfi develop aims, test pilot projects, and build a network.
• Not economically self-sustaining, but vital for learning and future sustainability.
• Plans to continue developing radio, fashion events, film festival, arts paper, and local filmmaking fund.

Please note that this is a condensed overview, and some details have been omitted for brevity. If you need more specific information or further clarification on any aspect, feel free to ask!