Opera Hours 2019

Need

Unfortunately, homelessness is on the rise; research showed that between 2010 and 2017, the level of rough sleeping in England increased by 169%, and there has been a 75% increase in households in temporary accommodation. As welfare cuts continue, there is a need to provide support to society’s most disadvantaged and isolated which will help them make positive, sustainable changes in their lives.

Solution

At Streetwise Opera, we know that people who are homeless need stable housing, jobs and food, and we also know that the confidence, wellbeing and social networks that people develop through participation in the arts can play a vital part in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Our Opera Hour project will give our performers the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring artists, take part in an exciting creative experience and perform to friends, family and the public in a professional venue.

Aim 1

To run a creative, positive and meaningful opera project for people who are or have been homeless

Activities

» 5 collaborative projects with composers and people with experience of homelessness in London, Manchester, Nottingham, NewcastleGateshead and Teesside

What success will look like

We will evaluate the impact this project has had on the composers, performers and the audience through an end-of-project report

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Aim 2

To improve our participants' wellbeing and increase their social inclusion

Activities

» 1 joint writing workshop with the composer and performers in each of our five regions
» 8 weekly workshops for 30 performers to learn and rehearse the music per regions (40 workshops and 150 performers in total)
» 1 performance to an average audience of 100 people (including friends, family and general public) in each of our five regions (500 people in total)

What success will look like

As part of our annual evaluation, we will collect qualitative and quantitative data from participants, workshop leaders, support workers and staff to evaluate the long-term impact

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Impact

The project is a key part of our programme of activities which has proven to have a positive impact on people’s lives; our 2017/18 report showed that 92% of surveyed performers felt that their mental health had improved, while 93% had maintained or improved a sense of belonging, and 95% had maintained or improved their social skills. We will measure and demonstrate success through our annual evaluation framework, which was called ‘an example of the best of the third sector’ by Society Guardian.

Risk

We mitigate risks associated with working with vulnerable adults through a detailed set of procedures and policies, and trained support workers attend all activities. The biggest risk for this project lies in raising the fundraising target, however we have applications for support pending, we expect to receive donations at the performances, and we hope the public will support our project through the Big Give Christmas Challenge!

Reporting

We will invite donors to the Opera Hour performances, and we will provide donors with: monthly email updates; an end-of-project report; and our annual Impact Report.

Budget - Project Cost: £21,760

	Amount	Heading	Description
	£19,800	Fees	Workshop leaders and support workers
	£895	Travel costs	Travel expenses for performers, instrumentalists and keyboard
	£925	Refreshments	Teas, coffees and snacks for performers at performances
	£140	Admin	Printing etc

Current Funding / Pledges

Source	Amount
PRS Foundation	£2,000	Guaranteed
Anonymous donor	£1,500	Guaranteed

Why Us?

Streetwise Opera has a long-standing track record in the homeless sector; we have been working with people who are or have been homeless since 2002; and we have won numerous awards such as The Times/Gramophone Music in Community Award, Andy Ludlow Homelessness Award, and a Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award. Moreover, two years running, 95% of participants have recorded improved mental health and over 80% have developed better relationships thanks to our work.

Read more about the Charity running this project.

People

Tanja Pagnuco

As Projects Producer, Tanja is leading the project; she has 11+ years of experience, and she will ensure our performers have a great experience.

Marigold Hughes

As Head of Programmes, Marigold is overseeing the project; she has 15+ years of professional experience, including in community settings.

Mark Oldfield

As Artistic Director for Workshops, Mark is supporting the composers involved; he is a highly experienced baritone, workshop leader and lecturer.

Errollyn Wallen

As a mentor, Errollyn will support the composers. Errollyn is a highly-experienced and much-applauded Belize-born British composer.