Arts & Regeneration:

Liverpool has been awarded the European Capital of Culture for 2008. It seems like the whole world knows and is looking for Liverpool to provide arts and culture that is amongst the best globally.

But, the arts & cultural industries are much bigger than just the artistic merit and value.

In the early 90's, in conjunction with the Home Office, John Hollis-Davies was actively involved both strategically and operationally in using the arts as a preventative measure to drug use and crime. Through the innovative ArtSkills program, young people were provided with opportunities to improve their skills, feel valued and to become employable.

More recently, as Chair of Aware Photographic Arts – a charity supported by the Arts Council – access to photographic opportunities in front of and behind the camera, both traditionally and digital, and including post production, many disadvantaged and disabled people and communities have participated.

Perhaps one of the most exciting projects JD-Associates has been involved in has been the Garston Cultural Village. For those that know the area, since the bypass was built the heart of the village has just vanished. Boarded up shops, gangs of juveniles roving the streets, the smell of poverty etc.