community media

Since 2004, whenever I have given a paper at a conference about community media I have shown a table on powerpoint, (see the first table below).  I would go on to explain how this table informed my definition of the sector – which is according to the main areas of emphasis of activity by practitioners.

 My description and definition of community media states that the channels of activity are according to the main motivation of the action, ranging from; ... read more »

Here are details of a Graduate certificate course I helped to write at the University of the West of England, which is aimed at people working in community arts & media.

There are three modules, with a wide range of tutors each module;

- Participatory Arts: Practice & Context
Looks at the history of community arts & media, influential theories (e.g. Paulo Freire’s dialogic pedagogy), informal education theories, government influence and evaulation models. ... read more »

Last night I went to an interesting seminar at the Watershed Media Centre called ‘Cultural Learning: Young people – schools – creative industries’.  It was all about the year-long relationship the Watershed have built up with Fairfield High School, which has seen film & TV professionals working in the school, and the students taking part in projects.  ... read more »

I read with interest on BBC News that David Hockney (at 72 years old is regarded as one of the UK’s greatest living artists) is using his iPhone to create artwork, and that this may now be a new departure for him.  It started when he drew a picture on his iPhone and then emailed to 12 people straight away. ... read more »

A popular debate in community arts & media is based on the dichotomy and tensions inherent within the notions of process and product, and which state to value the most, and what ethics and emphasis are placed on each.  The liberal position (or more accurately, the centrist conservative position), is to compromise and value both elements in equal measure, which demonstrates a project that healthy in both regards.  The radicals on either wing denote the quality of process as protection of the safe environment for the participants, or the necessity of the product to instil a pride that process alone can never deliver.   ... read more »

From: Community Media Association
Sent: Mon 08/06/2009 20:19
To: Rt Hon Ben Bradshaw MP
Subject: Open letter from the CMA to Ben Bradshaw,Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport

Rt Hon Ben Bradshaw MP
Secretary of State
Department for Culture, Media & Sport
2 – 4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5DH

Community radio & the wider community media sector ... read more »

(The template of this letter was provided by Phil Shepherd, Chair of the Community Media Association and Director of Somerset Film & Video)

To:

Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP
Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport
Department for Culture Media & Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH

Dear Mr Burnham ... read more »

Unlike many MPs now the centre of public wrath, I will declare a blatent conflict of interest.  The website I am promoting here was made by me for a project I facilitated.

So in the interests of good old fashioned moral transparency – please go and visit it, it’s absolutely amazing! 

Thank you.

http://museummedia.wordpress.com/ ... read more »