Literature review 4. – Problems facing voluntary organisations

 Touchstoneblog - Richard Excell 28^th January 2011

Problems for Voluntary Groups
http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2011/01/problems-for-voluntary-groups/

Whilst researching the many different areas surrounding my inquiry I have noticed that the voluntary organisations play a huge role in supporting integrated dance. This inquiry has been inspired by the previous connections I have had in integrated dance due to the work of community and voluntary lead organisations.  Although there are integrated dance projects taking place in my area I am aware that this is not the case elsewhere, this leads me to this literature review. I wanted to explore what barriers and problems voluntary originations face and discover if this has effect on the lack of integrated dance originations and the lack of disabled dancers entering the performing industry.

Whilst exploring this idea I came across Touchstoneblog http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/ this blog“is an informal blog by TUC staff about policy issues that are in the news, or ought to be”. One blog that stood out to me was written in January 2011 by Richard Excell. This short blog displays many interesting statistics surrounding voluntary organizations which I feel could be useful in investigating my inquiry.   

Budget cuts are a huge element into the small number of voluntary organisations as there isn’t any funding for establishing new organisations or to maintain the ones that already exist. During this blog Richard Excell explores this point;

“David Robinson – a co-founder of Community Links – was worried that the cuts were a “double whammy” for voluntary groups. They increase the need for the services they provide, but cuts in funding are reducing the ability of groups to provide even their current level of service”

I agree with this “Double Whammy” theory as there is a greater need than ever for all genres of voluntary organisations but due to the lack of funding provided this level of service or existence of these voluntary organisations is not possible. Unless there is a solution to this problem then there isn’t going to be any growth in this area. I feel this problem is affecting the lack of integrated dance organisations as there is a shortage of funding and voluntary access for any type of dance program to exist. This point in which I am exploring could be an element into why there is a shortage of disabled dancers in the performing industry.  

Could budget cuts to voluntary originations be affecting access to disabled dancers to the performing industry?   

This is a question I am eager to explore throughout my inquiry.

             Another problem which faces voluntary organisations is the falling number of people willing to provide their voluntary services. Richard Excell explores this idea;

“The latest Citizenship Survey from the Department for Communities and Local Government was published, covering April–September 2010. This showed that now is not a particularly good time to be relying on volunteering, as the proportion of people who volunteer had fallen for the fifth successive year; 44 per cent had volunteered unpaid help for an organization in 2005 but by 2010 this had fallen to 38 per cent. The proportion volunteering at least once a month had fallen from 29 per cent to 24 per cent.”

The data gathered from the Citizenship Survey from the Department for Communities and Local Government covering April–September 2010 displays that there is a lack of people willing to volunteer as there was a significant decrease in to amount of people volunteering once a month going from 29 percent to only 24 percent. Why is this? Could this be affecting the lack of voluntary originations? Could this be an element into the lack of disabled dancers? These are all questions that I am trying to explore and answer. I am also going to look into the workings of a voluntary origination such as the management to be able to answer these questions. By reviewing this blog it has opened up many areas to explore. I hope to use the data reveled in this blog to support my future findings.

Literature review 3 – Learning and teaching theory - Problem Solving.

The higher Education Academy – Engineering subject centre       
Learning and teaching theory - Problem Solving. http://www.engsc.ac.uk/er/theory/problemsolving.asp

Throughout my Professional inquiry surrounding integrated dance I have come across many barriers (problems) that have affected the process I  planned for my inquiry. Therefore I decided that I needed to research the best way to solve these problems and learn from my experiences in a professional, and thought out way. This brings me to next my next literature review. I came across this theory whilst researching problem solving and I found this step by step guide to problems solving very useful. As I continue my literature reviews I wish to also look at different theories into problem solving, compare and evaluate which has been most appropriate for my inquiry.

            During the introduction to this theory the Higher education academy state that  “Very few new undergraduates will have the confidence and mental processes available to say “I don't know how to solve this problem yet, but if I set about it systematically and think about it I expect I'll work it out”. This is exactly the problem I have found myself and peers in during the inquiry process - I want to be able to solve the problem but I lack in the confidence to be sure I am solving it in the right way. This one reason is why I chose to review this piece of literature as it displays a four step problem solving theory which can be applied to any situation.  

“The problem solving process, for simple problems, involves:

1. Assemble and evaluate information and resources.
   First obtain a clear description of the situation and ensure that it is fully comprehended. This may involve writing down lists and diagrams, re-describing the situation, trying to get a clear mental picture of all the relationships which exist within the situation, of what the resources are and what they can be used for, and of the constraints and their implications. The objective must also be clarified.”

This first point is a crucial one as I have discovered that if you do not clearly identify what the problem is you will not successfully solve it. To do this you should critically reflect the current situation or problem. I have found that using diagrams showing the problems and objectives is a clear way to see what stands in the way and what needs to be achieved to solve your problem. I feel that this first process is often discarded but it is vital into choosing the right solution.

2.      “Brainstorm and plan solution process
The brainstorming process involves first looking at the situation and asking what immediate changes can be made, what will be the consequences of these changes, and looking at the objective and asking what would enable the objective to be reached. It also involves considering any similar problems previously solved. The aim is to identify a set of steps that lead from the original situation to the desired objective.”

This second Process suggests that you should research or compare this problem to any previous barriers and look at the way these have been solved. I feel this is a brilliant way to gain ideas that could help solve your own problem. Process 2 also says to explore all the possible solutions and consequences before applying them to your problem this will prevent any unsuspected barriers. The most crucial aspect in process 2 is to identify a set of steps to solve your problem; I have found making a step by step action plan beneficial.

3.      “Implement solution
Once a set of steps has been identified, the solution process proceeds from one step to the next, regularly reviewing progress and checking back to make sure that the steps taken so far are valid and have produced the required result, until the required objective is reached.”

The third process is a vital one it ensures that no further problems are created. To do this it is crucial that every step that you take towards solving your problem is reviewed and answers the following two questions,

a.       Is this a valid step towards solving my problem?
b.      Has this step produced the required result?

The processes applied through step three are also beneficial as they can start the reflection process and allow you to establish what has been learnt from completing this theory.                                                                  

4. “Check results
   A final check is then made to verify that the result produced is the required objective. If, at intermediate stages, checks on progress reveal an error, then it is necessary to go back one or more steps and rethink the problem, again looking for a set of steps that leads from the original situation, or from the results of previously verified steps, to the objective.”

The final process is to reveal whether you have solved your problem. To do this you should check all process and see if the final objective has been reached. If the problem has not been solved this process allows you to easily see all steps taken and should also easily identify what has gone wrong and how it should be put right. This final process is also a learning one as it gives you the ability to critically reflect all the process and conclude upon what you have gained and learnt from completing this process.

I personally have found this four step theory extremely useful into solving the problems related to my inquiry. I have also found that if you skip or don’t fully complete a process it is more likely that your end result or solution will suffer or not be solved accurately.  

Understanding the task in Hand (Professional inquiry)

Critical Reflection.

Today I was able to really get grips on what it is I have to do to complete my inquiry and critical review. This was purely due to Skype conversation with my personal adviser Paula Nottingham. We discussed the process that needed to take place. Also the barriers my inquiry has come across concerning my planned workshop, we discussed what I could learn form from them and how they could actually benefit my inquiry.  I found this Slide from Paula’s presentation for the 2^nd campus sessions really helpful in planning my critical review (shown to the right)

Today I have managed to put all the elements of my inquiry into a critical reflection plan, using the headings from this slide. Now I have completed this rough plan it has clearly shown me what needs to be done and how to write my refection with a flowing structure.
I really took Paula Nottingham’s Advice into reflecting upon as many pieces of literature as possible, as these help you gain as much knowledge in any surrounding area and can be used for comparing your inquiry data. I am currently thinking outside the box and going to look at the theories surrounding problem solving, to see if anything I read could help the problems in my inquiry.

Professional  Artefact  

Before today I was really unsure as to what a professional Artefact actually was. I have come up with my own loose definition that has really helped me to understand what it is and how it should be displayed.
“A Professional Artefact is a way to display your inquiry to other professionals without them having to read your inquiry critical review. It is a way to share your and display your inquiry out of an essay form.”

I felt I should blog my own thoughts on the artefact as it has helped me to picture the finished result.

Second Literature Review – (Professional Inquiry. )

The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance

Vol. 14, No. 1, February 2009, 133_139                                                                                        

  K. Dacre and A. Bulmer

Interview   -                                                                                                                                  

Into the Scene and its impact on inclusive performance training                                                     
Kathy Dacrea* in conversation with Alex Bulmerb                                                                         ARose Bruford College, Sidcup, Kent, UK; bProject co-ordinator, Graeae Theatre Company, UK

This Piece of literature – “Interview into the scene and its impact on inclusive performance and training between K. Dacre and A. Bulmer”, was brought to my attention by my personal Adviser Paula Nottingham as she felt it could aid me in completing my inquiry. I personally couldn’t agree more. This interview includes the key points I want to investigate (inclusion throughout vocational training and the performing arts industry)  it also demonstrates well thought out questions and a professional structured interview. I hope that the interviews I plan to carry out for my inquiry are as successful as this example.

In autumn 2006 the Arts Council England set up the Into the Scene project in order to increase the number of disabled and deaf theatre practitioners graduating from accredited training courses and to increase the quality of their experience. A team from Graeae, the disabled-led theatre company that profiles the skills of actors, dancers and directors with physical and sensory impairments, was chosen to work on the project. In this interview with Kathy Dacre, Alex Bulmer, the project co-ordinator, describes and assesses its achievements. I personally feel that this type of project is vital into making inclusion in the arts industry and training programs an everyday occurrence. During the “Into the scene” briefing they described the project as

“a practical intervention designed to challenge and address institutional barriers in order to increase the quantity of disabled/deaf artists entering and graduating from accredited training courses and to increase the quality of that experience.”

This statement displays the positive changes surrounding the integrated arts and more establishments and accredited courses should embrace what this scheme is trying to achieve, support and follow in their footsteps. Throughout my inquiry I am going to take inspiration from organisations such as this “into the scene” project to establish my interview and its questions.

 This piece of literature focuses on the interview between Kathy Dacrea and Alex Bulmerb. Kathy Dacrea shows a well-planned and professional interview I feel this is due to the type of questions she puts forward to the participant. Each question has a purpose and receives a beneficial and honest answer.  

The first Question given was “Alex why do you think the arts council set up into the scene?  This is a focused yet board start to the interview and gives Alex the boundaries to give his honest opinion which is important at this stage of the interview process.  I found his reply very useful to my own personal inquiry:                    

“ Arts Council England set it up through their London office in order to address a very uncomfortable truth. Very, very few disabled people were graduating, attending or even applying to performing arts institutions. So the main questions were why is this the case and

what can we do about it?

This reply demonstrates the “uncomfortable truth” that there are very few disabled people entering the arts and training programs. Its schemes such as this one that can help change this although it is easier said than done. The project “Into the scene” took a while to get off the ground although now is holding s budget of around £47.000 which is being invested into the program. Also in 2006 a year long project Scene change was established in arts schools this was a DaDas for disabled students entering the industry.

During Alex’s response for the first questions he asks the question “What can we do about it?” The answer is with more schemes such as the “into the scene project”. Although I believe that we can’t begin to solve a problem until we are aware of the rout course. I am interested to know what is stopping talented disabled students into entering training, is it an ethical issue? A case of stereotype? Confidence? Or a pure lack of opportunities’ and publications of disabled bodies in the arts? I am hoping to try and answer some of these questions during my inquiry to result in finding a way the change the lack of newly qualified disabled actors and dancers.
Reviewing the first question of this interview it has helped me understand what it is I need to investigate and how I should structure my interviews so I can complete my inquiry professionally and successfully.

First Literature review - (Professional Inquiry)

Physically in Dance comes of age.  New Mobility Magazine                                                 
Josie Byzek, September 2010

http://www.newmobility.com/articleViewIE.cfm?id=11712 

To complete my professional inquiry into integrated Dance awareness, I have taken the time to research and gain as much knowledge on the programs and companies that already have schemes and ideas in place to help raise disability awareness through the art of integrated dance.

Whilst researching I came across this article from the American Magazine New Mobility. This magazine is published once a month “New Mobility encourages the integration of active-lifestyle wheelchair users into mainstream society, while simultaneously reflecting the vibrant world of disability-related arts, media, advocacy and philosophy”(new mobility mission statement). The article that stood out to me was written by Josie Byzek

“Physically integrated dance comes of age”.

I have chosen this article as my first literature review due to its relevance to my inquiry. The article gives clear indications of the growth of integrated dance and highlights three main companies which have education schemes to raise awareness. AXIS Dance Company, Dancing with wheels and The GIMP Project.

Throughout the planning and first stages of my inquiry, I have tried to find a definition of integrated dance that I could explore. Throughout the article Josie Byzek picks up on small definitions, quotes about the art which I have found extremely useful to inspire myself and also the participants taking part in my inquiry. 

“Physically integrated dance is really, really exciting, It's accessible in a way most modern and contemporary dance isn't, because you get to see people you wouldn't ordinarily think of as dancers dancing And oh, how they dance”. Judith Smith, artistic director of AXIS Dance. "

Throughout the article Josie Byzek explains how companies such as “Dancing with wheels” are expanding disability awareness through dance by trying to attract a family orientated and younger target audience by performing such stories as “Alice and Wonderland” and their popular performance Of “The Snowman”. Josie Byzek also explains why “Dancing with wheels” performers in this genre; ”Dancing Wheels' performances often appeal to families, such as a dance called "Snowman" that shows both sit-down and stand-up dancers — as the company refers to those who use or don't use wheelchairs — engaging in snowball battles, building snowmen and other fun winter activities. Yet there are some pieces, such as "Walking on Clouds," that deal with serious topics, like how it feels to be discriminated against because of disability or race.”   I personally feel that this is an inventive  idea as it if we showcase this to a younger audience it may help demolish the prejudice surrounding disability, it also helps those effected how to learn and grow through their experiences . I Hope that in the future more companies and community projects aim for a younger target audience at the appropriate times as it may help raise awareness of disability in dance. This is what I am aiming to achieve with help of my inquiry to establish a project that helps raise disability awareness through the art of Dance.

In the later parts of the article Josie Byzek Shares accounts from members of these three Companies. A Quote taken from Dancer Lawrence Carter- Long GIMP company dancer on his views toward integrated dance, 

"Physically integrated dance, first and foremost, is art. If it doesn't work as art, then none of the disability awareness that we do would have the impact it has My sense is the expectations for disabled performers are still so low that you've got to be better than good to even get people's attention. People still expect macaroni glued on a plate."

I agree with this account from Lawrence Carter-Long although I feel that if projects like his company The GIMP Project continue there disability awareness course this feeling he speaks of would dramatically change for the better.  

This article has helped me to gain more knowledge into the first hand feelings sounding an Integrated Company or project. This is due to the tasteful accounts published by Josie Byzek of the dancers and artistic directors of the three integrated companies discussed. By reviewing this article it has aided me to understand what research and discussions I need to explore to aid my professional inquiry. I have learnt that first hand accounts from the direct participant involved has most relevance to my inquiry workshop and interview project. From reflecting upon this article I am now looking for a journal account or blog of a dancer or director with connection to an integrated company for my next literature review, as I feel this would be most beneficial for my inquiry.  

The first step towards completing my professional inquiry

This module is mostly about self-development, learning and planning and with such little time to complete my professional inquiry I am trying to set myself time schedules and deadlines to complete the first fundamental part of my inquiry.

I personally found reflecting on my feedback immensely helpful and it allowed me to look forward and realise what it was I exactly needed to do to complete my inquiry surrounding Integrated Dance. I have now refocused my inquiry into finding the results of participating in an integrated workshop not only for the individual but for the organisation and the surrounding community.

Whilst starting my this new module I found the readers extremely helpful and have helped me structure a plan to get it all done with as much time to reflect as possible.

The next step is to research literature to review, although I am finding It difficult to find anything that surrounds my area of inquiry. If anyone has seen or read anything surrounding integrated dance would you please let me know as it would be much appreciated.  Thank you and im so excited to start and complete my professional inquiry.