Growing Deeper Roots

Like an oak tree that grows tall, strong, and solid through deep roots and nutrients from soil enriched over generations, our outreach strategy will build from a robust foundation before branching into multiple directions.

We are currently growing our roots; linking into the networks of differing and deep knowledge around us through community partnership and input from our wider network. Once we have built our roots, our trunk will grow through carefully tested programs and reliable systems. When our foundation is secure, we will branch out to serve the wider varying needs of our community.

Like an oak tree, we don’t yet know in what exact direction each trunk or branch will grow. What we do know is what we are working on now, which has 6 interlocking strands:

• Financial Accessibility: Subsidised tickets, a comprehensive bursary fund, and a supporter ticket model that creates economic pathways for everyone to access standard SWN nights.

• Bespoke Programming: Co-created pilot experiences designed with, and for, specific communities through our growing network of partner organisations. We are aiming for four pilots in 2026, which might range from gentle ‘slow’ events to family weekends.

• Accessible Volunteering: Inclusive volunteer opportunities with flexible roles, that we can promote through our community partners; including equipment provision, and support systems for diverse volunteers.

• Streamlined Events: Lower-cost, ‘raw’ versions of our event that maintain artistic integrity while stripping back; creating more accessible entry points for new participants.

• Core Event Enhancement: Making our core nighttime experience more welcoming, through increased comfort, support when needed, diversification of hosts and programming improvements.

• Supported Artist Residencies: Creating a pilot artist residency programme so that musicians and other artists can experience co-creating with nature and spending extended time playing outdoors.

All of this will be combined with clear communication about our mission, transparent financial reporting, and open feedback channels with our community (potentially through a new community blog).