‘Create To Recover’ evaluation published

During the summer of 2020 Torbay Culture initiated a programme that we called Create To Recover designed to assist local creative practitioners during the coronavirus pandemic.

With support from Arts Council England’s COVID-19 emergency response fund we were able to help several artist-led projects through small awards, and the dedicated support of a creative producer. We also supported community convening events; and several smaller projects grew into more significant pieces of work thanks to other partners across Torbay getting involved.

There were difficulties along the way, and all involved had to adapt and change as we went along. Thank you to everyone who participated, in person or remotely, and to all the partners and artists. A special thank you to the creative producer of the programme, Clare Parker, who worked so hard and managed the programme with sensitivity. During these most difficult of times, Create To Recover was an example of how Torbay’s creative talent responded with energy and generosity, and in turn, reached people in different communities across the bay’s towns.

The evaluation report is dedicated to the memory of the late Elizabeth Janis who was passionate about dance, music, culture, nature and people. Elizabeth embodied the spirit of creativity and we so value her contribution to ‘Present With Me’ and Create To Recover. Loved by all who knew her, Elizabeth will be greatly missed.

You can read news items about how Create To Recover developed here and here, and download the report below.

Image: Cover of evaluation report, design: Paul Brierley; photograph: The Shoal Story by Victoria Westaway at Torre Abbey