This RARP theme was designed to address the particular experience of the most disadvantaged rural areas that are remote from major urban centres, experiencing the out-migration of young people and the decline of primary industry.
The Action Research Programme supported three community-led interventions to address these issues. They were the Celtic Neighbours Project led by Voluntary Arts Wales; The Hill Farming Communities project led by Viv Lewis and Geoff Brown and the project 'New Ground' led by the Eden Foundation.
Throughout the three years of this action research - many activities, events and developments have taken place. All the RARP theme partners have met together on three occasions for in-depth, place-based meetings on the island of Lewis in July 2006 (hosted by the consultant, Frank Rennie and the Scottish partners of Celtic Neighbours), in Cornwall in February 2007 (hosted by the Eden Foundation) and in March 2008 where the Hill Faming Communities group in Cumbria hosted the final meeting. These gatherings have been instrumental in bringing the group together to share thoughts and findings and also to focus on the ideas for policy change. These gatherings have also highlighted the tremendous potential of informal peer learning. In fact the ‘hosting’ of these meetings has been the inspiration for Carnegie's FierySpirits Community of Practice.
Lead Consultant, Frank Rennie has written a short briefing which takes a closer look into this aspect of hosting meetings and creating convivial spaces.
The common element of the projects has been adoption of innovative approaches to the challenges of each context. Within these significant features are: the use of cultural events, arts and music as vehicles to promote community identity and regeneration; and recognition of the potential of community assets including landscape, cultural heritage/skills, land and buildings. These features are being use by our partners to explore new economic opportunities for young people, particularly through the development of social enterprises. Contacts with the projects indicate high levels of commitment, enthusiasm and interest in innovative solutions.