About

At any one time in the year we are usually working on up to three major projects that we have both researched the need and raised funding for (Innovation Programme,) and we are also supporting several local groups to develop and run their own projects (Responsive Programme).  We aim to share the responsibility of the planning and progress of projects with the participants and local people, in this way community groups become local arts groups, gradually take on running the projects or starting a new project by themselves.

This type of approach, that encourages grassroots community involvement and active participation, is a particular way of working based on the principles of  (what is widely known as) ‘participatory and community arts’ practice. The role of the professional artist is to assist with progress,  passing on their skills and using them to lead and inspire when needed and then to step back, support and encourage.  It is the participants (of any age and ability) and the group working together that become the writers, performers,  designers, creators and makers.

People Express was set up in 1990 and is an incorporated registered charity run by a board of voluntary committee members. The organisation is core funded from the Arts Council East Midlands, Derbyshire County Council and South Derbyshire District Council. People Express undertakes fund raising for projects and it also supports community groups and partners to apply for grants.

People Express is committed to raising a ‘South Derbyshire’ identity, pursuing excellence and innovation, maintaining, bench marking and sharing best practice, continuous professional development and supporting excluded groups to use their arts projects to ‘voice’ their ideas and concerns to a wider community.

Who We Work With

People Express works with a variety of people. If you are interested in working with us please get in touch, our details are on our Contact page.
GENERAL COMMUNITY:
• Arts Groups
• Clubs and Societies
• Parish Council
• Village Hall Committees

SPECIFIC COMMUNITY GROUPS:
• Disabled Groups
• Minority Communities
• Women only groups
• Youth Groups

INDIVIDUALS:
• Domestic Abuse Survivors
• Users of Mental Health services
• Young People in Care

ORGANISATION:
• District and County Council
• Regional Arts Organisations
• Schools
• Voluntary Organisations