The idea
We are hoping to build upon the textile heritage, pride and innovation of the past of historic Lancashire and work with a diverse cross-section of local people and community organisations. We wish to offer an printmaking as an alternative creative process and meaningful activity to build new connections and tell stories of now. By removing cost and access barriers, the project will help build community pride, support wellbeing, and open the door to greater participation in the arts whilst enhancing connections to organisations in a mindful way. This will enable local community groups feel creative and connected through confidence-building activities. Participants will gain from purposeful involvement in co-creating patterns in a space where hands are busy, barriers fall and people feel proud to be part of something good whilst learning new skills. Partner organisations will raise awareness of their cause, improve accessibility and highlight their value to the local community.
What we'll deliver
- A block of 6 weekly surface printmaking workshops to 3 different community organisations at appropriate venues
- Employment of a local artist to deliver the weekly 2hr workshops
- Employment of a local designer to collate the artwork into design ready outcomes
- A range of products to be locally manufactured and sold to generate a percentage income for each organisation.
- An online gallery of all the products to purchase.
- Varied volunteer opportunities.
Why it's a great idea
The project builds on a successful 12 week pilot programme which used creativity as an alternative therapy for a mental health organisation. In addition to the participants personal experience, the resulting physical prints were manufactured as tea towels, wash bags and fabrics and retailed to generate further income for the host organisation. We wish to increase our outreach by working with 3 new organisations;
1. School of you CIC, in Clitheroe, Ribble Valley - with a focus of delivering workshops for children with SEND.
2. Breast friends - Cancer support group, Grindleton - we wish to improve access to cancer support in rural communities.
3. In-Situ arts organisation in Brierfield and Nelson - to strength community cohesion and invite engagement of a diverse cross section of local people.
Steps to get it done
- engage 3 partners
- host 3 blocks of six week 2 hour workshops
- develop 24 new pattern designs
- engage volunteers
