RMR’s evaluation of Make/Shift highlights how the programme has raised the ambition around what Creative People and Places programmes can achieve.
Our Phase 1 evaluation of Make/Shift, the Creative People and Place programme for Amber Valley, covers both over the last 12 months and the four-year Phase as a whole.
In particular, we explore:
- The project’s aim for Amber Valley to be a “place full of makers, where everyone’s creativity matters”
- Their Asset-Based Community Development model that recognises the strengths of local communities to carry out change.
Raising ambition
Our report concludes that Make/Shift is an exciting programme that is raising ambition around what Creative People and Places programmes can achieve.
It has inspired people from across Amber Valley, with a focus on those least likely to engage in arts and culture. And the reach that goes beyond simple one-off engagement.
In addition, threading through every element of the work is a commitment to excellence.
Previous work with Make/Shift
Make/Shift began in 2022, and RMR produced full evaluations for 2023/24 (Year 2) and 2025/26 (Year 4).
These were accompanied by extensive case studies that explore both the development of projects over time and specific topics.
For example, ‘Opening up collectively’ considers the active devolution of decision-making – how an online platform can help community groups manage money in a transparent way.
RMR’s evaluation reports and case studies for Make/Shift are available to download.
Make/Shift is one of a number of Creative People and Places programmes that RMR has worked with over the years including LeftCoast, Back To Ours, Revoluton Arts and The Leap.
Further reading
Read Ruth Melville’s reflections on how we evaluate a project like Make/Shift using Stories of Change – and how to talk about approaches, values and outcomes in a holistic and accessible way.
