Throughout this financial year, our organization has focused on creating inclusive spaces and events that bring together diverse communities. We have developed and delivered programming that centers on marginalized voices, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+, Black and Brown communities, intergenerational engagement, disabled/neurodivergent individuals, and sanctuary seekers. Our core activities included: - Organizing and participating in community events including Carnival, Pride and refugee & migrant celebrations - Running workshops and creative sessions for diverse community groups - Building partnerships with local organizations and councils - Media engagement to raise awareness of our work and the communities we represent - Developing sustainable arts practices through upcycling and recycling initiatives COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND IMPACT LGBTQ+ Communities We established safe spaces in both rehearsal rooms and public events, making significant progress in engaging LGBTQ+ communities that have traditionally been difficult to reach. Young people within the Black LGBTQ+ community have expressed particular gratitude for these safe spaces, as there are limited organizations in Derby specifically catering to their needs. Black and Brown Leadership Our organization is proudly led by Black LGBTQ+ individuals who champion visibility and acceptance. We have worked to address traditional tensions between LGBTQ+ and Black communities by normalizing the presence of Black LGBTQ+ individuals in shared spaces such as Carnival, Pride, refugee & migrant events. Intergenerational Engagement We have successfully engaged both younger (under 24) and older (over 50) demographics. - Under 24s - Despite the challenges of digital distractions, we have connected with numerous young people through targeted programming - Over 50s - Led by women over 50, our organization has created meaningful connections with older adults who have been hesitant to engage socially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Disabled, Neurodivergent, and Mental Health Communities As a disabled and neurodivergent-led organization, we prioritized accessibility and inclusion. Our participation in the Wired Differently Festival, specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals and those with mental health conditions, exemplifies our commitment to these communities. Sanctuary Seekers We have established strong relationships with refugee communities, creating significant positive impact and laying groundwork for future collaborations. Organizational Development This year has been instrumental in developing our organization's capacity, profile, and sustainability. - Media Presence - We have raised our profile through appearances on BBC Radio Derby, BBC Radio Nottingham, podcasts, social media and local newspaper interviews, using these platforms to highlight charitable organizations supporting vulnerable communities - Partnership Building - We have established sustainable relationships with organizations including Mansfield & District Council, EMCCAN, Purple Theatre, Deda, Wired Differently, 1623 Theatre, Derby Theatre, and others - Organizational Structure - Significant effort has been invested in developing our organizational framework and networking capabilities CHALLENGES AND LEARNING We encountered several challenges that provided valuable learning opportunities. - Resource Allocation - High demand for our services required difficult decisions about which partnerships to prioritize - Team Development - We gained insights into effectively combining professional artists with community participants - Resource Management - We identified the need for better storage and maintenance of materials FUTURE DIRECTIONS Based on our experiences this year, we have identified several areas for future development. - Expanding our creative team to include more diverse skill sets - Securing dedicated space for operations and storage - Further diversifying carnival traditions by introducing a carnival "kween" to elevate LGBTQ+ representation - Engaging specialist access workers to better reach deaf and disabled communities and sanctuary seekers - Expanding our commitment to sustainable practices through increased upcycling and recycling CONCLUSION This financial year has been transformative for our organization, establishing a foundation for long-term sustainability and launching the artistic careers of several young people. The project has delivered exceptional outcomes, creating meaningful impact for diverse communities while strengthening our position in the local arts landscape.

No consultation with stakeholders

£17,638

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration