Stand and Be Counted
We supported a charities working with refugees and asylum seekers to challenge 'hostile environment' policies in the Home Office through culture and creativity.
Culture Commons have been providing ongoing pro bono policy support to Stand and Be Counted Theatre Company (SBC) - a extraordinary chairty who welcome people seeking refuge and asylum here in the through a programmes of creative activity.
Firstly, we audited SBC’s creative programme to identify where there was cross-over with ongoing policy dialogue at the national level. We then devised and deployed a targeted campaign for the resumption of the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, sending a series of widely supported open letters to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary and Culture Secretary on behalf of SBC.
We identified strategic partners such as the Theatre Companies of Sanctuary network and Refugee Action to work with us to draw up concrete policy recommendations to influence the UK Government ahead of a 2021 Comprehensive Spending Review, including around a more appropriate allocation of English as a Second Language (ESOL) funds.
Culture Commons secured SBC front page coverage in The Stage (the leading in-print and digital sector news outlet) and the i newspaper, helping to raise funds and keep their work with refugees and asylum seekers going.