Education strategy

Download the education strategy in pdf format (14 KB)

Introduction

In addition to our Exhibition initiatives, we recognise that our central priority of promoting a vibrant and dynamic film culture, through increasing access to and broadening the range of films available to all audiences across Wales, is complemented by a consistent approach to audience development through formal and informal education, which is aimed at enhancing film literacy and stimulating an appetite for specialised, cultural and non-mainstream films. We aim to achieve this by:

• Appreciating the different approaches to and ways of delivering education, in the context of the type of audience (by age, location, language and interest group for example) being targeted;
• Providing financial support for formal and informal education initiatives, across a range of delivery platforms, including exhibition venues, schools, at special events and within communities; as well as potentially via on-line, DVD and CD-ROM. As a film Agency, we have an in-built preference for venue led educational activity and it remains our goal to get as many and as wide an audience interested and able to access specialist films at exhibition venues. However, we recognise that not all groups and individuals have easy access to venues, particularly for example when targeting young audiences within the constraints of the National Curriculum and who are subject to limited educational budgets, or in relation to geographically remote communities.

Guiding Principles

• We operate a continuous 'open door' submissions policy. That is, we will accept submissions at any time, from anyone and at any stage of the proposal's development. Where the proposal is at an early stage, but addresses or is likely to address the Agency's Aims and Objectives and Guiding Principles, we will collaborate in working up that proposal to facilitate it reaching a form that we could potentially fund;
• We will work in partnership with the industry, including the Wales Specialist Film Exhibition Group, the British Federation of Film Societies Welsh Group, educational organisations including Media Education Wales, Film Education, Reel Education, ACCAC, WJEC, the British Film Institute and the UKFC;
• The Agency aims to respond swiftly, informatively and courteously at all times.

Core activities

The agency's core education activity is to support and facilitate exhibition venues, film societies and education providers with a remit to promote film literacy, to implement their audience development initiatives; and to listen to, identify and understand the needs and desires of this sector, and where they meet our Aims and Objectives, respond to those needs and desires to the best of our abilities. In carrying out these core activities, we will:

• Provide a comprehensive web site and "open access" events where the Agency can communicate its plans and activities and where any and all interested parties can meet the Agency team, input ideas and discuss areas of interest;
• Provide strategic leadership for a programme of audience development and film literacy initiatives in Wales, in collaboration with the Wales Specialist Film Exhibition Group, educational organisations, BFI, ACW and UKFC;
• Contribute to the review of strategy at UK level, and implement recommendations where it is pertinent to do so;
• Consult with the exhibition and education sector to determine the strengths and weaknesses of current film literacy and audience development initiatives, and identify obstacles to accessing certain specific audiences; and share ideas about how to reach and stimulate those audiences (across age, location, language, and interest groups);
• Provide financial support to formal and informal education initiatives, aimed at enhancing film literacy – exploring film language, cultural content and having the potential to excite an interest in specialist film – across any and all age groups across Wales. Submissions may be made on a project-by-project basis, or as a slate of up to 3 projects at any one time. The Agency recognises the pressures on Human Resources and therefore encourages provision for a Project Manager within project budgets. Ordinarily we would anticipate funding up to 75% of the cost of any given project, or up to £5,000 per project, with a ceiling of £10,000 to any one provider in any given year. We encourage exhibitor involvement and a specific focus on the medium of film wherever possible, though it is recognised that film literacy can also be stimulated and addressed through other media. We also encourage the involvement of film industry practitioners and representatives wherever possible to stimulate interest and convey direct experience. Our funding agreements will be tailored to specific projects and will identify agreed clear objectives and methods for approaching data collection and assessment of the impact of the project;
• Review the provision and impact of education initiatives 18-24 months into our programme of activity, with a view to tasking one or more of the Project Manager's to roll out a range of initiatives across Wales, using pre-existing materials and supplementing as required;
• Develop a centralised databank of education packs and materials, as created by the various initiatives that we support;
• Participate in and contribute to the UK-Wide Education Strategy Working Group and review strategy, if required, in the light of the Group's findings.

Complementary Activities

In addition to our core activities, we will engage in additional activities where they further the Agency's Aims and Objectives and where budgetary constraints permit. For example, we will:

• Where practical and desirable, encourage filmmakers who benefit from Agency production and development finance to provide materials that can be used for educational purposes, such as storyboards, shooting scripts, sample scenes and out-takes, production design and costume breakdowns. Additionally, it may be possible to encourage other organisations to provide similar materials, thus emulating a widely accepted provision of prints to National Archives for example, for the Public good.
• Endeavour to identify and leverage additional sources of funding to enable expansion of our educational activity.