|
|
Read all about our current work - do get in touch for more info or help us spread the word.
Click on the links below to read more:
|
|
|
Directors Blog
We recently all enjoyed a great evening at Bath Artists Studios' Roper Gallery for the opening of FreshArt@ Ward 4. The exhibition, part of Fringe Arts Bath, is a collection of work made by participants, family and friends from the project. There was a stunning mix of media, subject matter and scale on show, inspired by visits to The Holburne Museum, The American Museum and No 1 Royal Crescent, all of whom are partners in FreshArt@ alongside AWP, Sirona and ourselves.
There were some incredibly proud artists there and rightly so; their work justifiably sits in a professional gallery. The exhibition was beautifully curated and hung by our very own FreshArt@ worker, Nat and Katie O'Brien from 44AD gallery and studio space. Katie is also running a day long course in curation for us, exploring this important exercise, entitled, A Fresh Look: The Art of Curation.
|
|
Alongside the work of FreshArt@ was displayed work by one of the peer support groups that we support, Creative Perspectives whose theme for this exhibition was 'Movement and Motion'. Again, the quality of their work was striking, eclectic and highly accomplished. We were also very pleased to welcome Genesis art group who made up the exhibition with some of their excellent pieces.
The artwork from FreshArt@ will next be seen adorning the walls of Ward 4, St Martins Hospital Dementia treatment and assessment ward. The project itself, now in its third iteration following projects at Hillview and NHS House, has been nominated for an Arts and Health South West 2016 Award. We are incredibly proud of all those involved and can't wait to hear the result, announced at The Arnolfini on Friday 17th June.
Following the opening, we have a series of micro-workshops at The Roper Gallery entitled 'An Hour A Day'. Within this diverse and multifarious programme you can explore taster sessions in acrylic transfer printing and writing for enjoyment, as well as enjoying a practical cooking session with Food For Thought, the catering social enterprise that we are associated with. Or why not take time out to sing along to the ukulele or indeed have a living space consultation for your homely wellbeing. There is truly something for everyone! An Hour A Day is a great synthesis of all our strands of work, incorporating our co|Create programme of artists development alongside our socially engaged delivery of creative projects. It is open to all, so please do go along and savour these bite-sized morsels of creativity.
As a footnote to this month's blog and the celebration of FreshArt@, as well as keeping with the micro theme, I would encourage everyone to read David Jubb's brilliant short blog,
Why do we talk about The Arts in which he says, "
by taking a responsibility for creativity in our communities, we can play a leading role in our communities, connecting with dozens of other local organisations, to explore how creativity can be an active agent for change throughout our community."
|
Olly
(Director, Creativity Works)
|
|
|
|
Mental Health Awareness Week
24 Events were held across Bath & NE Somerset
As part of the UK wide annual
Mental Health Awareness Week which took place from
16-22 May
,
24 events were held across Bath & NE Somerset from Singing for the brain to Mental Health Awareness workshop, a number of which were supported by Creativity Works. There was also plenty of cake! Here are a few photos of the Potting Shed, a weekly gardening group that meet in the Leigh House gardens where we enjoyed some nature printing.
|
|
|
Round-About Radstock
On Saturday 28th May the gardens of Leigh House, Radstock, where Creativity Works is based were a buzz with people, colour and laughter! This was just one of the many places brought to life by the round-about Radstock event run by DNA Arts. The annual event is a day of exploration, arts & entertainment and encourages people to see Radstock in a different way.
Philippa from Creativity Works, ran a workshop as a freelance artist, which culminated in the large artwork created by the public shown above. It was created by asking those taking part a series of questions:
- What do you like about where you live?
- Where is your furthest connection?
- Where would you like to go?
The answers to these questions were then expressed through drawings, flowers, collage and writing creating the wonderful map. A real piece of collaborative artwork. We love the vibrancy of it and the way each individuals contribution makes up a unique creation. What do you think?
Quotes from people there...
round-about Radstock is an annual event in collaboration with BANES, DNA Arts, Radstock Town Council, Big Local I Radstock & Westfield & Bath Festivals.
Pics L-R Natural Theatre 'swam' in to the gardens and all around Radstock, Creating the artwork, Beautiful artworks representing What I like best about Radstock, The mayor joined in for an imprompto acoustic set.
|
|
FreshArt@ Opening Evening
exhibition during Fringe Arts Bath 2016
The opening evening of the FreshArt@ Exhibition at The Roper Gallery in Bath was a huge success. The studio looked fantastic with a range of artwork on display.
There is still time to see the work - it is all on display until 12 June!
Fresh Art@
has created inspiring new art for the walls of Ward 4 Dementia Assessment ward at St Martins Hospital. There will be an exhibition showcasing this new artwork during Fringe Arts Bath (FAB16) which will run from 1st - 12th June, 11am - 4pm daily at the Roper Gallery, Bath Artists Studios, The Old Malthouse, Comfortable Place, Bath BA1 3AJ.
Artwork created by participants has been inspired through workshops within the Holburne, No 1 Royal Crescent and the American Museums. FreshArt@ promotes positive wellbeing by engaging with cultural settings and community to create artwork to enliven clinical environments and is supported by Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust (AWP), Creativity Works, Bath Museums and Sirona Care and Health.
Creative Perspectives, a creative peer led group is also exhibiting at the FreshArt@ exhibition, during FAB16. The group offers an opportunity to develop creative ideas, learn and share skills, and gain confidence in a safe and friendly environment. The group is planned and run by members, for its members, with occasional visiting artists. It is suitable for those who would like to support their wellbeing through creativity.
FREE WORKSHOPS are currently available throughout the exhibition - see
' An Hour A Day 2016'
for more information.
|
S
treets of Bath Exhibition at Bath Abbey
During April, members of two peer led groups - Writing Space & Creative Perspectives, took part in an exhibition by Bath Abbey
called
'Streets of Bath.' The aim of the exhibition was to honour the lives of those who work and live on our streets and to engage the public in thinking about their role and place within the vibrant life of our city.
The exhibition proved very popular and was extended as a result. Alec Reid, one of the members from Creative Perspectives, gave a talk about the importance of Creativity as part of the exhibition.
Our display for The Streets of Bath exhibition by Jackie Mason, Writing Space Member
"For the streets of Bath exhibition, I wrote a poem entitled 'cirque du Bath'. I also wrote the group description and the artist's collaboration description for the display (see below).
The Writing Space group discussed how we would display our work- but it was ultimately left to our wonderful volunteer facilitator Roz to implement the proposed plan.
I enjoyed visiting the abbey to see our work displayed. I felt we all did a good job. The written works were exceptional and they were accompanied by some wonderful illustrations.
I am very proud of our writing space group for the wonderful work we have done, and I'm proud of myself for having the courage to put myself out there."
'The Streets of Bath'
by Writing Space
"Our Group undertook the streets of Bath project with relish, with each member writing in their chosen genre. A number of writing exercises were employed to prepare for the project and some research done. There were many discussions within the group before our individual pieces were produced.
Each poem in the display is uniquely individual, in both style and subject matter. But all-together draws an all encompassing picture of life on the streets of Bath."
Who are Writing space?
Writing space is a peer-led group set up as a place for those with mental health issues to come and
meet, share creative ideas and give and receive mutual support.
"For our writing group work to be accepted for the exhibition of Streets of Bath I feel was an enormous privilege. Especially to actually have a portion of our own work involved. I feel very proud to belong to the group especially very grateful for the all the help received to progress to this exhibition."
Deeana
Alec during his Creativity Talk with the vicar of Bath Abbey
|
An Hour a Day 2016
FREE Creative Arts, Health and Wellbeing workshops during FAB16
There is still time to sign up for one of the free workshops currently running as part of The Fringe Arts Bath Festival.
"An Hour A Day" - Creative Arts, Health and Wellbeing
FREE workshops at
the Roper gallery, Bath Artists Studios 1st - 12th June.
Get involved in this exciting programme of creativity, cultural and wellbeing workshops. Check our website for latest updates.
Booking essential:
[email protected] or 01225 831820
Some images from "An Hour a Day" events so far:
|
|
|
|
Paper cutting during the Museums & Creativity Be Inspired! workshop lead by Sarah Dennis
|
Creating a Spring Salad Surprise with Food For Thought |
|
New Beginners Writing Group
A collection of work by the members
The New Beginners Writing Group ran for 12 weeks and was facilitated by Roz Mascall, who you can read more about in this month's
Profile.
There has been some wonderful work created by the group and here
are just two poems for your enjoyment. to see more please visit our website here.
Writing Recipe
(A group collaboration)
Method
Get inspired. Brainstorm ideas at medium heat.
Using a pen and paper, ink some words onto the page.
Open up your imagination and chop up some themes and add some depth with apple peel.
Build up the peaks, add colour and some more depth with rhythm.
Divide the mixture into portions. Smell the letters forming together.
Smooth the topping and anticipate the tastefulness and enjoyment.
Be patient. And give encouragement for the juices to flow.
Let the colours emerge.
Add sprinkles of cinnamon to taste.
Enjoy the fun of the creative process.
|
The Acrostic Tortoise
T he tortoise was gliding across the beach. His legs were slipping across the sand.
O racle was the name of the tortoise
R aisins were is his favourite food
T oday seemed more important than tomorrow
O racle loves being in the shade
I nside the shell it is nice and warm and protective of his crackling skin
S unrise to sunset, looking for the sand dunes to hide in
E veryone he meets tells a story and takes a while like his slow movement.
By Immy
|
|
The Tortoise that inspired the piece by Immy and 'Indira and Bahnu' the inspiration for Andrew's piece which you can read
here
|
Profile: An Insight into Working with Creativity Works
A Focus on: Roz Mascall, Creativity Works Volunteer
|
What is your connection with Creativity Works?
I first made contact with Creativity Works last July. I'd stepped away from an office job and was ready to side-track my way towards a more creative place. Camilla, Creativity Work's lovely Volunteer Support Worker, invited me to accompany her at Writing Space. This is a wonderful initiative: it's a peer-led group for adults who've had or experience mental health illness. I was curious to see how writing in a group differs from writing alone. I was also apprehensive about being the stranger in the room but all my nerves melted away on arrival, thanks to the warm welcome I received (thank you Writing Space members!).
|
 |
I became the group's volunteer. Every week has been enjoyable and exciting. The members contribute unique ideas and bring inspiration to use as writing prompts, such as mystery objects, nature finds, a book of proverbs ...anything goes. It wasn't long before they had me suggesting my own ideas. This kind of collaboration was refreshing to experience. Hearing their work was always a privilege, they're a talented bunch, each with their own styles of writing and they aren't afraid to experiment. And seeing how kind and supportive they are to one another was inspirational in itself. I got a real insight into how important groups like these are and the difference they make to people's lives.
The group were able to use some of their precious funds to invite a professional writer to facilitate some sessions. To learn from the poet Alyson Hallett was an honour. Discovering new ways of writing and using different forms has helped us all progress. Writing Space continues to flourish. They recently exhibited a collection of poems and images in the Streets the Bath exhibition, as well as contributing to publications such as the In Mind of Violet Anthology.
As a volunteer I have also been fortunate enough to attend events led by skilled staff at Creativity Works. One example was a workshop in Facilitating Creativity and Mental Well Being. This was an action-packed day of rich material, thoroughly enjoyable and it was excellent to mix with artists from different domains.
In what way has Creativity Works been of value or support to you?
Following on from volunteering for Writing Space, things stepped up a gear...
I didn't anticipate Creativity Works asking me if I would like to facilitate a new beginner's writing group. As daunting as this prospect seemed, I knew this was an amazing opportunity. I accepted the challenge and was encouraged and supported throughout the process. Thinking up fun and original writing exercises got my imagination playing, and seeing the participants engaged in them was brilliant. By offering some gentle encouragement and seeing the creative writing in action has been both rewarding and humbling. What made the group so special, was the willingness of participants and my brilliant co-facilitator and volunteer who each brought their own colourful experiences and skills to the group. The 12-week course flew by. I'm scratching my head wondering how the time passed so quickly?
Do you have any creative aspirations for the future (with or without Creativity Works)?
Now that I've embarked on this creative way of working, I'm excited about where my path will take me next. I have An Hour a Day (a series of Creative Arts, Health and Wellbeing workshops) in Bath to look forward to, where I'll be helping out and will no doubt meet more talented and creative individuals.
Thank you Creativity Works.
|
|
Our Director to Speak at Pathways to Professions
Creativity Works Director Oliver Jones to speak at event in Bristol on June the 23rd
Our Director, Oliver Jones, will be speaking at the Pathways to Professions conference on 23rd June at the Pervasive Media Studios in the Watershed, Bristol promoting and exploring employment pathways into the cultural and creative sectors.
Following on from the success of the Pathways to Professions events run by the West of
England Local Enterprise Partnership, the National Careers Service in partnership with
Business West is offering careers advisors and those giving careers advice to young people
in the West of England the opportunity to hear from key industry professionals in the
Creative sector. Also hear about new apprenticeship opportunities in the region and how to
advise on the best routes into a creative career.
To download full info click HERE
|
|
|
Other News...
Some top news items from our partner organisations or those that have jumped out at us.
|
Bristol & Bath Surgery days with Outside In
|
|
Would you like to create an online gallery with Outside In, or know someone who would, but who does not have the skills or facilities to do it themselves?
Founded by Pallant House Gallery in 2006, Outside In provides a platform for artists who define themselves as facing barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance or isolation.
Artists who fit the Outside In criteria can create an online gallery, showcasing their artwork.
At the Surgery Day we can support you to photograph and upload your artwork, help you to write your artist statement, sign you up for
your online gallery and submit up to two pieces of your work, via the website, for selection to the 'Alternative Visions' exhibition.
To book your 1 hour one-to-one session please contact Hannah Whitlock Call: 01243 770 845 or Email: [email protected] Places are limited. Please bring support with you if required and please tell us of any access requirements
|
|
BRISTOL
Date: Wednesday 20 July
Time: 10:00-4:30pm
Venue: M Shed
Address: Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN
|
BATH
Date: Wednesday 15 June & Thursday 16 June
Time: 10:30-5:00pm
Venue: Holburne Museum in Bath
Address: Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB
|
|
Could You be a Trustee for Creativity Works?
Trustees Required
We are always looking to widen our Board of Trustees for Creativity Works and would welcome any expressions of interest. We are particularly looking for those with skills in the following areas:
- Human Resources;
- Legal Services;
- Fundraising;
- Accounting;
- or the Visual Arts. |
|
You will be helping to lead a hard working, creative and dedicated team of staff, steering the way in the effective growth and promotion of this expanding organisation.
Trustees meet at least 6 times a year and we encourage engagement in particular areas of work and ongoing projects.
Further detail about our work is available on our website www.creativityworks.org.uk.
For more information please contact our Chairman, Karl Bevis ([email protected]). If you would like to apply for a position as a Trustee, please send Karl your CV and written application. Consideration of applications will be ongoing.
Please feel free to spread the word - you can download the advert here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you for reading our newsletter. If you would like to follow our updates in between newsletters remember that you can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest!
With Best Wishes,
The Creativity Works Team
For more information:
Tel: 01761 438852 Email: [email protected] Supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Arts Council England Click here to return to the top of the email |
|
 |
| Simply click through Give as You Live every time you shop online to raise money for Creativity Works |
|
|
Registered Charity No. 1075812 Company No. 3768255 Creativity Works for Everyone is a company limited by guarantee registered in England
|
|
|
|
|
|
