2️⃣Creative power
Leveraging on creative approaches
How can we involve creatives in our community-led action?
Involving local creatives in citizen-led actions can aid in combining different approaches and dynamic practices to create impactful experiences for diverse audiences (more on this in this section). There are many other ways we can build these connections depending on our needs and expectations: simply by reaching out to already known local groups or by creating open calls or hackathons. However, the focus here is to provide tools for COs to define what is expected from external collaborators, what level of experience is required, and what skills are needed. Then, tools and guidelines are provided aiming to support the process of reaching out to creative individuals and communities and promote a mutually beneficial relationship between the participants.
Why is it relevant?
Understanding the terms of the collaboration with external communities, especially with a focus on artists and creatives, is an important step as it involves external potential collaborators who might have different dynamics than those of the CO. This process can happen naturally in many cases, but it’s important to keep it in mind so that collaborations can be fruitful at both personal and collective levels.
How can this be done?
You can use the stakeholder analysis tool to find a node near you. Alternatively, you can reach out to one of the existing networks and directly reach out to creatives and organisations through there. Or in case you are aware of an existing node or association.
Make sure that you have clear what, when and how you would like to involve the creatives in your citizen-led action journey. Ideally creatives are part of this journey as early as possible, as they add value and quality to the work. A brief, in shape of a one-page PDF can help to summarize your ideas and make clear to new team members what the objectives and expectations are.
Have in mind that the creatives’ support will add value to your citizen-led action. The creatives’ participation should not have as the only objective “making things pretty”. In case you cannot offer monetary support, try to find other alternative reciprocal (mutually beneficial) exchanges that benefit you and the creative practitioners (that go beyond just visibility of their work).
This conversation should be held closely with the creatives, to ensure that expectations are clearly agreed upon.
Enhancing your Social Media outreach
Work with the Platform coordinator to develop communication strategies for your open calls and events. Open calls through social media are especially effective at encouraging participation.
Useful resources
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