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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:
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Directors Blog
Although I am very much a cold weather person and am overjoyed at last to wake up to beautiful, frosty mornings, it was rather a blessing last week that the mild weather continued as I undertook a creative walk with members of the RSA and artists from the region. The name of the walk was 'Considering the hidden in Trowbridge' and it took us through the centre of the town, through the park and parts of the canal. We were inspired in our observations and conversations by artist responses that the RSA commissioned as part of People Shaped Localism in Wilts.
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I am intrigued by walking as a new art form, with local artist and walker Richard White from Bath Spa University one of the leading practitioners of this in the country. His Forced Walks project is something definitely worth looking at:
https://forcedwalks.wordpress.com/
In Trowbridge, meanwhile, we encountered a fascinating array of medieval buildings, Georgian architecture (including apparently the longest piece of uninterrupted Georgian paving in the country!) and captivating places that evoke compelling stories such as the Blind House, just by the bridge of Trowbridge itself, which temporarily housed the drunks of the town. Interestingly, this area is still where many of the Trowbridge residents experiencing drug and alcohol problems gather together today. I was also struck by what a powerhouse of industry Trowbridge had been, with so many textile mills abutting the river. With the amount of development taking place I think it is definitely a place to watch as it re-emerges from its illustrious past. We also had an engaging debate whilst sat in the atrium of the County Hall about communal spaces, the transparency of political action in terms of social spaces and how creativity and the arts can affect change through interaction in geographical spaces. All in all, it was an inspiring way to spend an afternoon.
Back at Creativity Works we are full steam ahead for the year to come with the Mental Health Creative Support Service and co|Create both surging forwards. We are at this minute interviewing for new socially engaged artists to work on the next iteration of Fresh Art, Fresh Art@Ward 4 and on Wednesday the 20th January we delivered a very successful training day on Facilitating Creativity and Mental Wellbeing.
As ever, please do get in touch if you would like to collaborate with us or would like to find out more about our work.
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Olly
(Director, Creativity Works)
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Our Current and Upcoming Courses Supporting Mental Wellbeing
Already established groups...
A peer led creative writing and poetry group for people with experience of writing who would like to meet others to share ideas and mutual support in the writing process. Some sessions will be facilitated by a writer, others will be for the group to continue developing their ideas. Download the poster
here.
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An opportunity to develop creative ideas, learn and share skills in a safe and friendly environment and contribute to a new art group. Download the poster
here.
The group will be exploring different techniques through a programme of planned activity this term including Impasto; Alla Prima; Sgraffito; Washes; detailing; dry brushing; stippling; dripping/pouring/splattering.
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And announcing our exciting new groups starting in February, March and April...!
A 12 week course for beginners with no previous experience of creative writing to develop confidence in writing. Download the poster here. |
8 sessions which will include exploring the natural and built environment of Bath by foot as well as time indoors for discussions, group activities and viewing / editing photos. Download the poster here. |
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On a Journey to Wellbeing
"Brilliant ... Informative ... Fun ... Refreshing ... Well paced ... Wonderfully upbeat ... Inspiring .. I feel confident after today."
This was some of the feedback from participants who attended Creativity Works' Facilitating Creativity and Mental Well Being workshop on 20 January. The one-day training organised as part of Creativity Works' co|Create programme of continuing professional development was aimed at building the skills of creative practitioners to enable them to work in settings where participants may have significant mental health challenges.
Fourteen participants took part in the training which proved very popular and booked out quickly. Held at the Natural Theatre Company in central Bath on the coldest day of winter so far, the temperature did not deter workshop participants and by the end of the day sunny smiles and warmth were evident.
Sessions, led by Creativity Work's Mental Health Creative Support Services manager Philippa Forsey, co|Create programme manager Kate O'Malley and Fresh Art Worker for Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Nat Burgess, covered:
- Creative icebreakers
- Mental health awareness (led by Trainee Peer Mentor for Mungo's Broadway Bridges To Wellbeing, Phoebe Kitcher)
- The Five Ways to Well Being
- The role of the facilitator
- Practical workshop skills, including behaviour management
- Giving feedback
- Creative reflection journaling
- Safeguarding and boundaries
- Finding work in the field.
It is envisaged that the training will be adapted to take account of feedback and then the new version run later in the year. Anyone wanting more information about the course, or to reserve a place on the next one, please email
[email protected]
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Raising Money for Reading Movement:
A Creativity Works Fundraising Success Story
Creativity Works' volunteer support worker, Camilla Nelson updates us on her thrilling project which she has recently secured funds for, from the Arts Council England, following a Creativity Works fundraising workshop.
"Khaled Barghouthi and I are thrilled to have received Arts International Development Funding (AIDF) - a combined fund from Arts Council England and the British Council - to develop our fledgling piece 'Reading Movement'. The idea for the piece came from an hour's collaboration initiated as part of the Secret Hotel Creative Summer Lab we attended together in Denmark last summer (August 2015). I felt very lucky to be the only writer among a handful of really talented performers - dancers, dramaturgs, actors, acrobats, drone flyer and even a circus artist.
I have been interested in developing my language work in a more embodied way for many years now and am always on the look out for collaborators with whom to explore new approaches and dynamics. This summer lab gave me a chance to explore the physical side of making words in the company of some incredibly talented performers. One of these was Khaled Barghouthi, a Palestinian dancer. I was immediately interested in Khaled's journey as an artist coming from an area I had heard so much about but never visited. My sister has lived and worked in Gaza and Ramallah so I had heard a lot about it but it was all second hand. Meeting Khaled and seeing him dance these stories - his stories - was really remarkable. I was so moved by Khaled's performance and impressed by his ability to convey emotion so palpably and engagingly, without the use of words, that I was eager to find a way to work with him the minute we had a few hours free."
Read the full article on our website here.
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Lunch, Chat & Plan
2016 Mental Health Events in BANES
Wednesday Feb 3
rd
,
11am - 2pm ,
at Percy Community Centre
- New King Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2BN
An opportunity to decide what should happen
in Bath & NE Somerset
for World Mental Health Day (Oct 10
th
) and Mental Health Awareness Week (May 2016).
Free lunch!
This meeting is
open to all
service users, carers, volunteers and staff.
Faci
litated by people from different organisations, including Ronnie from the Care Forum, Ralph from St Mungo's, and Lee Rawlings from AWP.
It would be great to hear from as many people as possible, to ensure
that interesting, useful, and coproduced events are created next year.
You're welcome to just turn up on the day, but it would be great to hear from you if you're planning to come, so that we can get an idea for catering.
If you would like to attend.
Please include any dietary or access requirements
Write-ups from the 2015 WMHD events are now available
here
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Profile: An insight into working with Creativity Works
A Focus on: Andrew Luff, a Trustee of Creativity Works
What is your connection with Creativity Works?
"I am a Trustee."
How did you first come across Creativity Works?
"I was first introduced to the work of Creativity Works through my role as a professional advisor to the then B&NES PCT."
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What made you want to work with this organisation?
"I was seeking a creative space in my life, where I could link my knowledge and skills of mainstream Health & Social care services with my interest in the Arts, and wanting to think that there are other ways to provide person centred support."
Which projects have you been involved with / how have you helped support Creativity Works?
"My main area of contribution is with the Health and Wellbeing programmes."
What have you enjoyed the most about working with Creativity Works?
"Being continually inspired by the dedication and commitment of all the staff, artists and participants to develop creative solutions to challenging life circumstances."
What have you found surprising about Creativity Works?
"The resilience of everyone involved in the organisation, from Trustees, Staff, Artists and Participants to the principles of Socially Engaged Arts during some very tough times and being committed to keeping Creativity Works relevant to people."
In what way has Creativity Works been of value or support to you?
"As a Health & Social Care Professional we don't often witness the small things that can make a difference in a person's life. Creativity Works has been instrumental in making sure that the person is at the centre of everything, and what really matters."
What has been your biggest professional, personal or creative achievement to date?
"This is hard to answer, as I have spent over 30 years working in Community Health & Social Care Services. The majority of that time was focussed on developing new services and ways of working for staff and teams. I feel that my time with Creativity Works has enabled me to be able to step back from being engrossed in the trials and tribulations of organisational priorities and targets."
Do you have any creative aspirations for the future (with or without Creativity Works)?
"I want to continue to develop my Photography skills, which helps me to be connected to my creative side."
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Other News...
Some top news items from our partner organisations or those that have jumped out at us.
The lastest version of the Hope Guide is out now and available to download
here.
The Hope Guide supports GP's and other professionals to link patients with non-medical sources of community support. This enables people to use their time meaningfully and develop peer support, complimenting and reducing demands professional support.
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Download poster
here for this annual Appreciating Working Partnerships event. Please get in contact with Lee Rawlings if you'd like to get involved: 07917 210187 /
[email protected]
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Rosemary Lee, ICIA and Bath Dance are looking for a community cast of 60 performers to get involved in
RISING and
MELT DOWN: a project that will be presented in the heart of Bath during the Bath International Music Festival.
A fantastic opportunity for those who love to explore movement and have an interest in performing in an unusual environment with others, participants need no previous dance experience.
Do share the opportunity!
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Grants for professional performers announced:
dancers, choreographers, actors of dance, physical theatre, drama, musical theatre, contemporary circus artists, movement directors, physical theatre directors, multidisciplinary artists.
The grant covers accommodation and meals
during participation in the international arts residency in Tuscany, Italy.
The program is based at the territory of the
XII century Monastery famous for being the place of seclusion for the
legendary Dante Alighieri.
Residency dates:
May 25 - June 1, 2016
Arts Oasis
is the annual international multidisciplinary residency for performing arts practitioners from all over the world, passionate and inspired by movement, dance and physical theatre, interested in practical research of contemporary performance practice together with colleagues from different countries.
The grant applications are considered on the basis of the candidates experience and qualifications. Priority is given to those artists who are able to show their potential to professional development and motivation to participate in contemporary performing arts processes at international level. The number of grants is limited.
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QUARTET
Supporting Communities and Healthy Lives, Healthy People grants
The next round of group funding from Quartet will be open for applications on 1st February. The deadline for applications will be the 11th March. For any help or more information, contact Basil:
[email protected]
The fund is open to all groups based in Bath and North East Somerset, where a substantial proportion of members are people who feel they have a mental health need. Consideration will be particularly given to member led groups, or groups who wish to develop in this way.
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Free Volunteer Training
In collaboration with the Wellbeing College and St John's.
As part of supporting volunteers in their roles St. Mungos are putting on the following courses, open to anyone volunteering in BANES.
- First Aid - 13th April - email [email protected] for course details & to reserve your place (course should be added to Wellbeing College next week)
All courses are happening at The Bubble, St John's Hospital, in central Bath.
If you have any questions please call Ralph on 0782 511 5775
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Bath and North East Somerset Council's Cultural & Creative Challenge Fund for Arts Projects 2016/17
will be open for application from Monday 1 February 2016.
The Cultural & Creative Challenge Fund is for awards of £5,000 only. The fund is open to:
Properly constituted voluntary sector groups/organisations.
Consortia where the lead body is a properly constituted voluntary sector organisation.
There are two deadlines for application during 2016/17:
31 March 2016 and 31 October 2016
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Call for proposals
The ITAC3 Programme Committee is seeking proposals from the global community that reflect the best thinking and practice in participatory arts / teaching artistry, informed by theory, research, and projects in the field.
Session themes / topics
The committee invites proposals that seek to present best, next and radical practice, through presentation, papers and or practical sessions and approaches. Conference sessions/ presentations (of between 20 and 90 minutes) should encourage critical reflection and hands-on exploration in response to the three conference questions:
* How can we collectively strengthen support for artists working with
people?
* How is participatory arts practice evolving to meet the challenges of the
21st century?
* What can the world learn from radical approaches to socially engaged
art-making?
For more information and details of how to submit a proposal visit the Call for Proposals page. Please note the closing date for proposals is Monday 22 February 2016.
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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. |
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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.
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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 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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