(continued....)

There are many people actively engaged in attempting to break down barriers to participation to creativity as part of their work, or as a way of life. Whilst there may be many differing interpretations of what a healthy society should involve, there are also many similarities in approach and ideology. out of the blue recognises the value of people getting together to explore what it is that people consider to be important practices within the arts. Whilst we are sure people have done this before in many shapes or forms it is important to hear what people were saying and to learn from each other's experience. Social inclusion is a multi dimensional concept, which is about full participation in society, but also encompasses exclusion through discrimination and poverty. There is an obvious need to create a 'participatory infrastructure', where those marginalized from decision making can have their say and take appropriate action. In the arts a sustained and coordinated approach, looking outwards as well as inwards can have an effect in breaking down barriers to creativity....and beyond.

out of the blue recognises that to develop as a useful and creative community resource we need to grow, adapt and change with external and internal circumstances. As we find our feet, our knowledge and experience extends as we exchange ideas and interact with others. In the healthy context of lifelong learning we need to find time, opportunity and hopefully inclination to re-consider old ideas and find new ways forward.

The most immediate challenge we face at present is to find a new premises, as the lease on the New Street premises will end presently...for details of where we're at with this, see the Press page.

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