Community Development

One of the purposes of Living Archive is to use arts as tools for community and economic development. Our work is all about involving those who are in current jargon 'socially excluded' and giving them an opportunity to have their voice heard and to gain in pride and self-esteem. You cannot get people to bring about changes in their area and other aspects of their lives until they have pride in themselves. Without that building no regeneration programme will be able to attain its objectives.

The Bletchley Community Heritage Initiative
This project began in March 2000. Living Archive was a key partner in the Spotlight on Bletchley Single Regeneration project in Milton Keynes. Employers in the area reported skill shortages within their existing workforces particularly in IT skills. Living Archive's Community Heritage Initiative was an innovative response to addressing the problem of providing relevant training.

The initial focus of the Community Heritage Initiative was on skill development, training and preparation for work. There have been a number of IT Skills training courses which have led to the production of websites. The other important feature has been the building of a digital archive of local historical material, the production of exhibitions, web pages, CD ROMs and teaching materials. A base has been established at Bletchley Library where volunteers scan and catalogue material and visitors can both explore the archive and add their own photos and memories.

For full details of the Bletchley Community Heritage Initiative see the website

Another key element of this project is that of community capacity building. Although initiated by Living Archive, the intention is to recruit train and support a local management committe to enable the project to become eventually independent.