Mission

DfC is an enabling and co-operative organisation with a mission to create the conditions where arts, craft and culture can flourish for the benefit of everyone in Darlington, the wider region and beyond.

Values and beliefs
DfC’s values are based on the seven principles of co-operation:
· Voluntary and open membership
· Democratic member control
· Member economic participation
· Autonomy and independence
· Education, training and information
· Co-operation
· Concern for community

DfC believes that creativity flourishes when artists, residents, cultural organisations and creative businesses work together and are supported to do things for themselves, where artistic freedom and co-operation thrive in perfect balance.

Objectives
To support artists, cultural organisations and creative businesses to develop and grow.
To release the creative potential of local people.
To provide opportunities for all local people to engage in quality arts, craft and culture.
To create links within, and a voice for, the cultural community in and beyond Darlington.

Key activities

Engagement – Via a database of supporters, DfC are able to engage with a range of culture lovers, artists, arts organisations and creative businesses across the local area. Regular members meetings enable us to understand the needs, issues and opinions of the local cultural community and feed this in to our discussions with those in positions of power. Local arts organisations are the lifeblood of culture in the town and through meetings and positive collaboration we demonstrate how much we take engagement with them seriously. As the only community organisation represented on the Creative Darlington Board our representative role is very important and we are always looking for ways to increase our engagement.

Promotion and marketing – DfC sends a monthly newsletter link to an emailing list of more than 500 people. We also promote local events, artists and cultural organisations via our website and social media. 

Darlington Arts Festival – Since 2013, DfC has co-ordinated an annual Darlington Arts Festivals. The aims of the festival are to bring excellent arts events to the residents of Darlington and also to promote and highlight all of the wonderful cultural activities and organisations that already regularly exist in the town.