Torbay Culture and Arts Network
Devon

A Paul Hamlyn Foundation funded CPD programme for participatory and socially engaged artists working in Torbay was an instigating factor in the formation of the unconstituted group ‘Torbay Culture and Arts Network’ (Torbay CAN or TCAN). 

The concept was that such a network could provide a front door to commissioning in collaboration rather than competition.  TCAN’s membership worked together to pitch collaborative responses to deliver Torbay’s Health Foundation and Arts Council England funded Arts, Health and Wellbeing test and learn programme.    As TCAN was not a legal entity, projects were pitched by a lead artist or lead organisation, who, if the project was selected by the participants to go forward, would be paid the value of the contract and subcontract other collaborators.

Practitioners and organisations in Torbay continue to work collaboratively on projects and bring individuals in to deliver on contracts or commissions where particular skills or a different art form approach is required. 

As TCAN was not a legal entity, projects were pitched by a lead artist or lead organisation, who, if the project was selected by the participants to go forward, would be paid the value of the contract and subcontract other collaborators.