Creativity works!
Developing Creative Industries In Rural County Durham
Performing Arts & Media For Everyone!
Founded in 1986, Jack Drum Arts is one of County Durham’s most successful social enterprises.
Established as a workers’ co-operative, the company delivers a wide range of high quality creative arts programmes across the region, frequently winning awards for its innovative work. In 2009 the company hopes to take up residence in the Elite Civic Hall in Crook, where it will establish a digital film and media studio, a costume hire business and a regular programme of drama, music and media activities, with a particular focus on young people.
The company is run by sisters Julie and Helen Ward, along with Julie’s partner, Paddy Burton. All three have been involved in pioneering arts development work in the region, promoting social inclusion and inspiring a new generation to consider the cultural industries as a viable career option. Julie was voted NE Woman Social Entrepreneur of the Year, in 2003, for her work in bringing the arts to a wide section of the community.
The company has developed specialisms in performing arts and media work with Early Years and recently began a 3 year project, funded by The Princes Foundation for Children and the Arts to create new performances and events for young audiences.
The company’s youth media work has been gaining international attention with dozens of films being screened at international young people’s film festivals around the world and a clutch of awards. We are now poised to deliver the first ever UK Kids for Kids International Young People’s Film Festival.
In 2006 we joined Arts Council of England’s Cultural Sector Development Initiative and received substantial European funding for two years which enabled us to support emerging artists and strengthen our core business. This grant represented an significant investment for the cultural sector in Wear Valley and marked a turning point for the company and the communities with whom it works.
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