The reasons for this are thought to be:

literature programmes may have been ‘parachuted in’ with relatively little involvement from locality; communities may not see themselves reflected in the literary activity and literature they see; high levels of inequality and deprivation in these communities.

MCOL has designed the Community Champions programme, drawing on examples from other parts of the cultural sector including The Agency (Battersea Arts Centre, Contact Theatre and other partners) and participatory arts practice.

In this initial year, there will be three Champions working in Rusholme, Harpurhey/ Moston; and a third community in Manchester, to be confirmed. Champions will be recruited who are based in those communities and/or have a strong relationship with the particular communities. They will act as a bridge between the communities and literature in its broadest sense, and will seek to co-design programmes with communities.

The consultant will:
Draw on existing good practice in this area
Develop a framework and Story of Change for the Champions programme
Develop methods to chart the ‘journey’ for Champions and participants
Design and facilitate workshops with the Community Engagement Manager and Champions:
an initial workshop to introduce the framework and methods;
an intermediate workshop to review and refine methods;
a final workshop to collect evidence, reflect on findings and draw out learning for any future programmes.
Present a report and recommendations for how the programme might be developed and duplicated.

Fee: 
£5,000 including all expenses but excluding VAT.

Registering your interest: 
Please submit an EOI to Reece Williams, reece.williams@manchester.gov.uk including <4pages with relevant experience, intended approach this work; indicative breakdown of tasks and schedule.

Deadline: Friday 26 February 2021