The British Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB) is backing a Government scheme called National Indicator 11 Engagement in the Arts Scheme (NI 11), which is drawing bands and local authorities closer together.
Several councils across England have decided to support art and culture through NI 11 which will be used to measure attendance at, and/or participation in, the arts at the local level.
Benefits
Philip Watson, the BFBB’S Development Officer said: "Councils that have signed up to NI 11 realise that participation in the arts, including banding, is an important part of a full and fulfilling life and provides unique personal and intrinsic benefits.
"It can also have a range of local impacts, including promoting health, education and well-being."
The BFBB is working with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) to assist the council in achieving its NI 11 targets and it is urging other brass band associations and bands to work with their own local authority in the same way, if their authority is part of the scheme.
It can also have a range of local impacts, including promoting health, education and well-beingPhilip Watson, BFBB
Improve communications
Said Philip: "BMBC has agreed to improve communication links and provide easy access for local bands to the Local Authority Arts Officer. They will endeavour to gain full knowledge and understanding of our sector and continuity of these new practices and links has been agreed to.
"BMBC is also going to assist the BFBB to contact other local authorities through the National Association of Local Government Arts Officers and the BFBB should consider using its experience with BMBC as a model for future partnerships with other local authorities."
Registered
Local authorities that have registered with the scheme are: Barnsley, Bradford, Brighton and Hove, Croydon, Darlington, Doncaster, Dorset, East Riding of Yorkshire, Essex, Greenwich, Harrow, Hartlepool, Hounslow, Kent, Milton Keynes, Northumberland, Rutland, Shropshire, Southend-on-sea, Stockton, Swindon, Torbay, Waltham Forest, Wokingham.
