Chickenshed and Linklaters are nearing the end of their first year of a three year partnership. Linklaters Community Investment strategy has a focus on helping young people achieve their potential, which is a perfect fit for Chickenshed's mission. The programme is truly holistic, so as well as providing funds for Chickenshed to take our Tales from the Shed children's shows out to St John the Baptist primary school in Hackney, staff get involved in delivering the service. Two sessions have now been held at the school, the second visit was greeted with cheers of 'It's Chickennnsheeed!' from the delighted children taking part. Up to 10 staff each time work alongside our practitioners to share the unique inclusive creative method with children, most of whom have never experienced live performance. In addition, Linklaters have provided 20 staff from their business services team to undertake a painting team challenge in the foyer here, bring up to 50 staff three times a year to see productions as part of their Arts & Science Forum initiative, give ongoing pro bono legal assistance in Employment and IP law, make conference call, printing services, and psychometric testing available, and provide senior level mentoring for a member of Chickenshed's management board. This partnership shows how staff engagement can lead to deeper understanding of and engagement in community giving, and a thus greater return on the firm's investment.
¨St John the Baptist C of E Primary School has worked with Chickenshed on a number of occasions and they have been totally professional and committed. Whilst their productions have been immensely entertaining and fun they have always had an underlying message - one of cooperation and team playing. Children work together in teams through craft and drama activities and realise the importance of the group rather than the self. The Chickenshed activities are also totally inclusive, where everyone can achieve and enjoy - every child matters.¨
Shane Claridge, Deputy Head St John the Baptist, Hackney, 2007
Fund our core work: workshops, education, outreach, our building - Barclays case study
Sponsor a production: market your business, invest in the arts - Anglo Irish case study
Commission outreach work with schools and community groups - Herbalife case study
Become a Patron - Berg Kaprow Lewis case study
Involve your staff: Team Challenges - Sky case study
Involve your staff: regular volunteering - Linklaters case study
Book A Day at the Shed, a team building, diversity promoting workshop for employees