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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:
- Creative Perspectives Art Exhibition
- Alternative Visions Call for Artists
- Arts Health South West Annual Conference
- New Instagram service
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Director's Blog
In stark contrast to the shorter days now upon us, we seem to be working longer and longer days to get through the huge amount of work here at Creativity Works.
We have some very exciting co|Create sessions coming up, including one that is inspired by Home Service, our work with Elders in care home settings. 'Social Design' looks at how, as an artist, you can use your experience, creativity, ingenuity and enterprise to advance products, apps and services for the market. I think there is often a taboo around the idea of artists monetarising their work, however without the imagination and application of creative people the world would be a far less remarkable and discernible place, so we believe that a session such as this, learning from social entrepreneurs and experts in the digital world, can only aid artists and creatives in their volition to have a sustainable and prosperous career. The brilliant artists presenting their work are Chloe Meineck of Studio Meineck and Barney Heywood from Stand+Stare, as well as Arts Programme Producer at KWMC, Martha King.
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Other co|Creates in the pipeline include a session run by one of the leading socially engaged artists working in the UK today, Deborah Aguirre Jones, who will be discussing and presenting her work with us on The Golden Key project in Bristol. Davis&Jones, over a couple of years now, have facilitated brilliant work with the IF Group, firstly establishing then as a peer support group and latterly creating a business plan and website alongside them. We hope to be joined by members of the IF Group themselves who will be able to demonstrate their role in the process and promote the use of creativity and the arts in their work. It is a session that will be inspiring for artists, commissioners and participants alike. We hope to have finalised the date for this very soon, and will be delivered near the end of January.
We have also been doing a lot of preparation for our Community Matters project, that some may have seen featured in the Bath Chronicle recently. I have mentioned this community based participatory project before, but now we are about to carry out the research itself, it is a very exciting time for the peer support groups and for the volunteers themselves who will be operating the research. We hope to gain invaluable information regarding the functioning of our peer-support groups and, alongside the learning from the aforementioned co|Create session, we will be very well placed to continue our best practice and leadership in the support of creative peer-support groups locally and nationally.
I do hope that some of you may take notice of the social media we put out, although it is very easy to be swamped, I know. If I may, I would love to recommend one recent post, so do check out the link that we put on Facebook for a Dynamic Projection Mapping project called Gallery Invasion by Skullmapping. It is absolutely brilliant and something I am very interested in, in regards to new storytelling opportunities and visual expression. In case you don't get to see it on FB, here is the link:
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| Traditional exhibition meets augmented reality |
Olly
Director, Creativity Works
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What Next? Chapter
Next meeting Friday 25 November 10.30 - 1.00pm
The next West of England What Next? Chapter meeting will focus on the Gulbenkian Inquiry into the Civic Role of Arts Organisations and will be led by Tracy-Anne Smith, one of the members of the enquiry panel. There will also be some time before and after this to meet and discuss ideas for the Chapter in the future and any other ideas people would like to discuss. RSVP to
[email protected]
if you would like to attend.
For the full details please click
here
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Chew Valley Consultation
Creativity Works engaged local people alongside the village agents, Age UK and Community Learning Service at a Chew Valley Roadshow event 27th October to talk about what locals love about living in the area and what they would like to change.
The images shows a tree that was created in response to the conversations with each leaf representing something the locals love and would like to change. A beautiful way to express this we think.
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Kitchen Creations - We have some spaces!
There are spaces on our Chew Valley & Peasdown St.John course if you are interested in joining. Please call the Wellbeing College on 01225 831 820 to book on!
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Fresh Art@ Artists Call-Out
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 30th November
Fresh Art @,
a partnership project supported by Creativity Works,
Avon & Wiltshire NHS Mental Health Partnership Trust (AWP), The Holburne Museum, No1 Royal Crescent, The American Museum in Britain and Sirona Care & Health, creates new artwork to enliven NHS communities, created by people with experience of mental health challenges
enabling them to explore, develop and grow through creativity and contribute to community projects.
This year Fresh Art @ will be focusing on providing creative engagement for people affected by or caring for those who have experience of mental health
challenges
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There will be 4 sessions delivered on an acute inpatient ward at Hillview Lodge at the RUH (Royal United Hospital) and 12 sessions delivered in the community within Bath Museums.
The project offers participants an opportunity to learn new creative skills in a friendly, supportive environment. It provides a chance to make new friends, share experiences, promote wellbeing and have fun. The museums provide inspirational environments and collections that can be used to stimulate creativity and engage participants. The artist will provide a range of inclusive creative activities. Some of the artwork made by participants and staff will be donated to the Fresh Art@ Project and will be displayed at The Swallows at Paulton Hospital. There will also be an opportunity to exhibit work as part of the Bath Fringe Festival end of May - June 2016 and other community events.
Fresh Arts
@
project has two artist opportunities commencing February 2016
- To deliver a series of 12 creative sessions within Bath museums (The Holburne Museum, No 1 Royal Crescent and The American Museum) weekly on Thursday afternoons from 16th February 2016. This community project will be for people affected by or caring for those who have experience of mental healthchallenges
- To provide a series of 4 creative sessions on an acute inpatient ward in Hillview Lodge, RUH, Bath
If you are interested in either or both of the above opportunities please provide a project vision for delivering a series of creative sessions.
Full details please
click here
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Journey to Wellbeing Award
In 2015 the Bath locality community learning disability nurses, the Health Improvement service and artists from Creativity Works asked the healthy living group at the Sirona Carrswood day centre in Twerton, Bath to help them
develop a toolkit around improving health.
The aim was to create a toolkit to include a set of conversation starters and resources that could be used by professionals, family and friends to engage people with learning disabilities to think about their own health in a fun and enjoyable way.
Over twelve weekly sessions the Creativity Works artists helped the nurses and members of the healthy living group, learn about different ways to paint and draw to make the toolkit look professional. All of the members had
at least one drawing included in the Journey to wellbeing suitcase.
The Journey to Wellbeing Toolkit is designed to be used either in a group setting or one to one. It is hoped that people will feel more comfortable when talking about their health. It then directs you to other easy read information to support each health topic.
"It's really good using so many different materials "H.G Group member
"Really loved the sessions" KR Group member
"I learnt how to use watercolours"SW Group member
Non-verbal client - laughing and signing positive feedback about the sessions P.Q. Group member
"My muscles are better now that I do more activity" H.G Group member
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Sirona staff receiving their award
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co|Create News
A programme of socially engaged artists' CPD and training
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Last few places available on this Fridays workshop
"Inspirational", "dynamic", "action packed" and "thorough"
Feedback from participants of Creativity Work's one day training on Creative Facilitation skills.
This course takes participants through a series of practical, creative exercises with discussion and reflection looking at: the role of a facilitator in a Socially Engaged context, icebreakers, introductory activities, energising activities, boundaries and sensitivities, group behaviour and journaling as a reflection tool. Activities include: movement, using natural objects, low tech animation, sound, craft activities and writing.
The workshop is a sound introduction or refresher on the skills needed to become a creative facilitator. It is suitable for creatives and artists who are interested in running workshops or creative groups. It is part of the co|Create series of socially engaged artists' continued professional development.
When
: Friday 11th November 9.30am to 4.30pm
How much:
£50 for the day, includes handouts
Where:
The Natural Theatre Company, Widcombe Hill, Bath, BA2 6AA
How to get there:
5 mins walk from Bath Spa station, parking at
Southgate St, Bath BA1 1TP or free parking further up Widcombe Hill (10-15 walk).
To book:
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Wednesday 30th November
1.30 - 3.30pm
@ Pervasive Media Studio, Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TX
Cost: £10
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Come and be inspired by UnLtd award winner Chloe Meineck and her Music Memory Box and Barney Heywood from Stand+Stare with their Tangible Memories app, alongside Martha King, Arts programme producer from KWMC.
This co|Create session is prompted by Creativity Works' continuing work in care home settings. We are currently working in Bristol, Bath and Radstock on the final phase of our Home Service project, embedding creativity into care homes and exploring new ideas and products to empower staff and residents alike. This is a hugely valuable opportunity to learn, be inspired and discuss how you can take your ideas and make them a reality.
Chloe Meineck is a designer, maker, inventor and social entrepreneur based in Bristol and London. Her work sits between the worlds of technology, craft, design and art, and focusses on inclusive design processes in order to develop products with a social purpose.
Stand+Stare work with people from a range of disciplines including technologists, academics, archivists and even cheese-makers
. Always seeking to challenge convention and to tell a good story, they create automated experiences, often based on archive material, and immersive performances where audiences feel stimulated by the ideas, but not intimidated by the form. Their work is characterised
by a sense of warmth and nostalgia with particular attention given to the design. They make work for theatres, festivals, commercial clients, media agencies, museums, libraries and universities.
The Bristol Approach is a way of working that ensures that new 'smart city' technologies address the needs and priorities of the people who will use them, particularly in communities that are in danger of 'being left behind" or excluded.
When: Wednesday 30th November 1.30 - 3.30pm
Where: Pervasive Media Studio
, Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside,
Bristol BS1 5TX
Cost: £10
Book your place today:
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When: Tuesday 31st January 2017 10am - 12pm
Where: Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA
For artists who have completed the Wellbeing College Five Ways to Wellbeing Course (listed above) to extend their knowledge and embed thinking.
Cost: £10
To book:
For further information http://www.creativityworks.org.uk/what-we-do/cocreate/ or email [email protected] and for more information on 5 ways to wellbeing see www.fivewaystowellbeing.org
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We really want to know what you want and with limited resources to ensure time and money is invested in the right places for you to develop and grow as artists. We have lots of new ideas including Minnets - mini networks of artists providing peer to peer support and the potential to collaborate on new projects, action Learning sets, assistant artist roles across our programmes, mentoring and creative conversations as well as training courses to help you to keep up with the latest developments and thinking across SEA and health.
Please see below a link to a very short 10 question survey, we would really appreciate your input as we move forward to designing and fundraising for a new CoCreate programme.
Link to Co|Create Artists Survey
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Profile: An Insight into Working with Creativity Works
A Focus on: Sally Collister - Freelance photographer and Director, In The Picture CIC
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What is your connection with Creativity Works?
I am a Creativity Works artist. I am a freelance photographer and facilitator and I devised and facilitate the Creativity Works 'Snap & Stroll' photography workshop programme.
How did you first come across Creativity Works?
I joined the Creativity Works mailing list after reading about them online. In 2014 I read in the monthly newsletter they were seeking a photographer for the Wellbeing Festival in Bath. I got in touch and, after photographing a few events, we began to discuss how we might work together to introduce photography into the Creativity Works programme.
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What made you want to work with this organisation?
Quite simply, we share the same belief in creative self-expression as a tool for personal empowerment and social cohesion.
Which projects have you been involved with / how have you helped support Creativity Works?
I facilitated the 8 week 'Snap & Stroll' course in Bath and am currently facilitating the same course in Keynsham. In 2017 we will also run it in Radstock.
Snap & Stroll is an opportunity for participants
experiencing or in recovery from anxiety, depression and mental health challenges to boost their confidence, get some fresh air and learn basic digital photography skills within a small and supportive group.
The feedback has been so positive, and we were even able to exhibit participants work at the Guildhall in Bath for a month which was a great opportunity for all involved, with some very positive public responses.
What have you enjoyed the most about working with Creativity Works?
I have so enjoyed devising Snap & Stroll and working alongside an inspiring and dedicated bunch of staff, volunteers and, of course, workshop participants. I have also loved getting to know parts of Bath and Keynsham better on our photowalks, as I live in Bristol.
What has been your biggest professional, personal or creative achievement to date?
There are a few that stand out - firstly, working undercover in West Papua on a documentary for Al Jazeera TV a few years ago. Secondly, living and working in Nepal for 5 months, running a participatory photography project with women living in a 'safe house' who had suffered tremendous mental and physical domestic abuse. Lastly and most recently, setting up my own CIC (Community Interest Company), In The Picture, which delivers participatory photography workshops for disadvantaged or marginalised groups in Bristol, Bath and beyond - visit www.inthepictureuk.org
Do you have any creative aspirations for the future (with or without Creativity Works)?
I'm obviously looking forward to running more Snap & Stroll workshops with Creativity Works in 2017 and am also very excited about some other projects in the pipeline with In The Picture, and am hoping to partner with lots more local organisations to deliver participatory photography workshops across the region.
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Volunteers Wanted
Call-out for Writing Space & Creative Volunteers
We have several opportunities available now and in the new year for volunteers to support creative groups across B&NES. Here is what one of our volunteers said about their experience of working with us last year:
"Being a volunteer artist gave me the opportunity to develop and use previous skills and knowledge. This contributed to an increase in self-confidence, self-esteem, value and usefulness. It gave me an identity and place within the community. Through taking on this role I could engage and share both with professionals and participants in the groups. I felt part of a creative team. It gave me a feeling of belonging to a wider community and a sense of safety and place. I was enabled to 'give back' to those who have helped me using my talents and skills. This was a truly satisfying experience."
Current Opportunities
- Kitchen Creations Fridays 10-1pm from 4th November 2016 for 6 weeks (4th, 11th, 18th, 25th Nov, 2nd, 9th Dec) at Chew Magna Baptist church, Tunbridge Road, BS40 8SP
- Kitchen Creations Wednesdays 10am-1pm from 9th January 2017 for 6 weeks @ Beacon hall, Peasedown St. John, Nr Bath.
- Kitchen Creations Friday 10am-1pm from Jan-Feb for 6 weeks Chew Magna Baptist church, Tunbridge Road, BS40 8SP
The Kitchens Creations courses offer an opportunity to devise recipes by experimenting with fresh, local food. A creative cookery group suitable for those who would like to support their wellbeing, are in recovery from or supporting someone with mental health challenges.
Up and coming opportunities
Visual arts, creative writing and dance courses
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to supporting all the sessions of a course. You will be invited for an induction and a pre-course meeting to meet the artist and go through what will be required of you in a session.
The volunteer's role is usually to support the artist in the delivery of the session by helping clear up and put away, help with any literacy needs when there is form filling to be done, take the register and encourage creative participation by group members. This is a good opportunity to shadow an artist and gain experience in creative facilitation. We can contribute up to £7.50 per session towards travel expenses and all refreshments are provided.
If you are interested in either volunteer role, please contact Camilla via email: [email protected] or ring the office on 01761 438 852 and ask to speak with Camilla or Philippa for an informal chat.
Creativity Works is committed to supporting the professional development of our volunteers offering an array of free training in safeguarding & boundaries, creative facilitation, mental health support and an up-to-date DBS. Our goal is to support volunteers to follow a self-defined pathway of creative, personal and professional progression.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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Opportunity:
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Creativity Works
We are looking to recruit a Chair of Trustees who will demonstrate the passion and commitment to progress the high quality work that Creativity Works is renowned for. You will have the strategic leadership skills and authority that is required for this small but dynamic, and high-achieving, organisation to flourish.
Creativity Works is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, supporting and developing artists who work in the field of socially engaged arts. We also deliver creative projects within Health and Wellbeing, including a highly successful commission from B&NES, the Mental Health Creative Support Service.
We are currently in a period of transition, building on our success as we look to secure a sustainable and expansive future. This entails the re-imagining of co|Create, our artists support programme, scoping the opportunities that the new Your Care Your Way commission may bring, expanding the delivery of our services to include young people and families and planning the redevelopment of a high-profile building. We will also be looking to maintain our NPO status beyond 2018 and to secure the funding and profile necessary to achieve our ambitious plans.
For the full Job Description please Click
HERE (this will download a PDF document)
If you are interested in this role, please send a CV and cover letter illustrating your suitability to our Director, Oliver Jones
[email protected]
If you require more details or would like to chat about the role, please do email Oliver to arrange a convenient time to talk with him or one of our current trustees.
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News, Useful Websites, Articles & Events
Interesting links and opportunities from around the South West. Please do share with us any sites, articles and films you also find useful and inspiring.
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Creative Perspectives - Exhibition
Promoting Wellbeing Through Art
24-30 November
11.00 - 5pm
The Roper Gallery, Bath Artists Studio, The Old Malthouse, Comfortable PLace, Bath BA1 3AJ
Creative Perspectives are a Peer lead group supported by Creativity Works, The Quartet Community Foundation and Bath Artists Studios.
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Alternative Visions: Undiscovered Art in the South West.
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Artist: Stacy Fish - Elephant, Bird, Man
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Outside In are inviting artists across the South West who see themselves as facing barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance or isolation to submit work for this exhibition which will tour to venues across the region. Submissions are now open and the deadline to submit work is
Friday 4 November 2016.
The exhibition is produced by Outside In, Arts & Health South West (AHSW) and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
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AHSW Annual Conference 2016
24th & 25th November 2016
This year AHSW are hosting a special 2-day annual conference at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, with options to buy tickets for either or both days. We have designed this 2-day conference in response to feedback from last year's annual conference. Many of our members have requested opportunities to spend more time engaging in in-depth explorations and discussions around key issues facing Arts and Health workers and organisations in the region. We hope this year's AHSW annual conference will provide a way for individuals and organisations from across the South West to come together to share learning and develop new strategic approaches to the issues currently developing within the Arts and Health Sector. Both days will be packed with opportunities to get support and guidance, inspiring examples of work that is being done in the region, networking time and and an energising atmosphere of creativity and positivity. - See more at: www.ahsw.org.uk
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New tools to help those who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-injury.
Groups working with people that self-harm have collaborated with Instagram to create a new tool that directs users to help and resources. Instagram has launched a support button, which will pop up when a user searches hashtags or terms that are associated with self-harm. If a user indicates that they need further support, she or he will be connected to specific helplines and tip pages. Additionally, if a friend notices a concerning post, they can anonymously report it to Instagram. The person who posted the flagged content will receive the message "someone saw one of your posts and thinks you might be going through a difficult time. If you need support, we'd like to help." The user can then choose to be directed to a help page. To find out more please click here. |
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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 Director, Oliver Jones ([email protected]). If you would like to apply for a position as a Trustee, please send Oliver your CV and written application. Consideration of applications will be ongoing.
Please feel free to spread the word - you can download the advert here.
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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, Instagram 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 |
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| Simply click through Give as You Live every time you shop online to raise money for Creativity Works |
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Registered Charity No. 1075812 Company No. 3768255 Creativity Works for Everyone is a company limited by guarantee registered in England
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