How Bright Shadow Supported Artists in 2023

Here's what we heard about working with Bright Shadow from freelance artists in 2023

on a spotted tablecloth sits a small sculpture of a guitar and ampimage credit: Rebecca Truscott-Elves

Bright Shadow anonymously surveyed freelance artists who had worked with Bright Shadow across our core Zest programme in 2023, as part of our commitment to organisational and continuing professional development. Our questions covered a range of topics from confidence levels to working with people living with dementia, to how working with Bright Shadow has supported freelance artists’ ongoing professional development. Here’s what we found out:

2 pie charts showing the change in artists' confidence working with people living with dementia. Before working with Bright Shadow, 25% of artists were not very confident, and 75% were fairly confident. After working with Bright Shadow, 37% were fairly confident but now 63% were very confident.

Of the artists surveyed, 100% had had their confidence levels in relation to working with people with dementia boosted.

“The training session was so helpful, practical and inspired understanding and confidence. The contact with the team before and during was also super helpful in guiding my understanding of what was needed for a Bright Shadow workshop specifically. Meeting with a participant (to co-create the sessions) ahead of the workshops was also super valuable.”

Impact on professional practice and skills

2 pie charts showing the impact of Bright Shadow on artists' professional practice. 37% said there was a somewhat positive impact, and 63% said there was a substantially positive impact. When asked about skills, 62% reported a somewhat positive impact and 38% reported a substantially positive impact.

Bright Shadow had a positive or substantially positive impact on 100% of the artists in terms of their own professional practice, and their skills.

What do artists say about working with Bright Shadow and their own practice?

“It has influenced my communication in a positive way, by learning to be really clear with my instructions.”

“I have gained a greater understanding of the needs of those that live with dementia and their partners/carers – i.e. being more adaptable to the needs of each of the groups, how to adapt my facilitation style, stretching my creative thinking in regards to creative activities.”

“Bright Shadow has helped me to think of inclusivity in terms of learning styles and search for innovative ways to bring drama to those who may not have experience / or think they are not ‘creative’.”

And about working with Bright Shadow more generally…

“Bright Shadow is an exceptional organisation and a joy and privilege to work with.”

“The team is brilliant and very supportive. Discussing ideas and being open to try new things and therefore encouraging participants to ‘have a go’. It’s been collaborative generally.”

“The kind but thorough feedback on sessions and the help with planning to accommodate specific needs is all very helpful.”

“I’ve always been very grateful to run ideas past the team, I think this is a really important part of being able to design new materials bespoke to Bright Shadow, especially as an artist who is otherwise working alone.”

“I have also very much appreciated working in partnership with other artists. This is obviously resource heavy, but does give the participants a fuller and richer experience.”

“Bright Shadow is a wonderfully supportive, progressive and rewarding charity to work with.”

“I love my work with Bright Shadow – a professional and personal highlight.”