Francesca McCarthy - Safeguarding in Creative Processes - Northern School of Contemporary Dance
 

Francesca McCarthy - Safeguarding in Creative Processes

In Progress: 3 year Research Project  

This longitudinal research project tracks the impact of intervention workshops offered by Stuart Waters to students and staff on supporting students to work safely, openly and with clear boundaries, with a particular focus on the challenges that often arise within creative processes.  This project will explore the effects of:

  • Annual staff training and development sessions for staff who act as rehearsal director, overseeing and supporting creation and rehearsal processes. 
  • Workshops for students around safeguarding, boundaries, consent and strategies to develop and support mental and emotional health 

We will evaluate whether these interventions generate healthy, safe and inclusive working environments that promote higher levels of satisfaction, self-esteem and achievement. The overall aim of the projects is to use and disseminate the findings in ways that support the contemporary dance and arts sector to become more inclusive and accessible for all.  Some key objects of this project include: 

  • Develop and share strategies for inclusive practice 
  • Help students develop appropriate boundaries and learn strategies to help them thrive in challenging creative process 
  • Help participants identify and address issues around safe practice in the studio in appropriate ways
  • Develop NSCD staff approaches to develop the skills and confidence to lead the way in implementing research-based strategies to support creative practices
  • Ensure NSCD alumni can develop safe practice in the sector