The arts are a shortcut to getting those least engaged with the economy to imagine a new future where being employed is something that is both possible and desirable.
Creative activity engages people quickly, effectively and deeply and even we have been surprised at the speed at which a disparate and wary group, with previous negative experience of “confidence building” courses, engaged with a relatively short programme of arts activities.
The arts provide new means of self-expression and coping strategies by providing a new focus and a shared vision, enabling participants to share personal stories with a new confidence and openness. The all consuming nature of the creative process can be a source of exhilaration a world away from former self-destructive patterns.
The arts raise expectations, increase confidence and push boundaries and by engendering a sense of self-worth participants have the secure foundation on which to develop skills, motivation, respond to challenges and to re-examine values and attitudes.
The arts subvert hierarchies and create new roles leading to participants taking on new identities as instigators and advisors, film-makers and visual artists. Past negative personae can be set aside to allow for genuine self-reinvention.
Why is creativity essential for businesses?
The economy needs more people to look for, find and stay in work and the arts work we do at darts gives people the skills they need to do this. This ranges from developing emotional resilience, having confidence in your own voice and the validity of your opinion and the essential skill of adapting to change.
By taking part in a creative project participants become convinced that they are able to have ideas and see them through to completion – something that is essential for all employees.
Businesses need employees that can see multiple answers and not just one. Employers recognise that collaboration is the stuff of growth therefore employees need communication, negotiation and empathy skills to work as an effective team.
Creativity changes the way you see things, situations and yourself which in turn allows you to see different perspectives and adapt to challenges. Successful entrepreneurs are highly creative individuals who imagine new solutions by generating opportunities for profit or reward.
darts’ employability projects are an essential element of the provision on offer for people who are currently unemployed in Doncaster and our innovative approach is changing people’s perceptions of what is possible in regards to work.
