Our aim is to provide accessible opportunities to build identity through self-expression for people in the heart of our local communities where there is a traditionally low take up of the creative arts. We want to be able to offer free art sessions in Lancaster by working closely with existing community groups. We’ll provide 8 taught workshops, for 2 groups of 8 participants, targeted at people with little or no previous experience of painting. The first 5 sessions will develop basic painting skills using playful approaches to working with paint, brush and colour. Freedom of expression will be encouraged as each participant explores picture making. After session 5 participants will take away an art kit that will allow them to practice independently for 3 weeks. There’ll be an optional 1-2-1 mentor session during the middle week. We’ll then resume for 3 more taught sessions to complete artworks, and plan for an exhibition in a public space that showcases work from both groups.

What we'll deliver:

• 5 x 2.5 Hour Weekly Painting Workshops for 2 groups of 8 participants
• A free takeaway Art-Kit with paint, brushes and paper for participants to work independently for a 3-week period.
• Access to a 4-hour drop-in mentor session with timed slots, providing expert feedback and guidance on progress.
• A further 3 x 2.5 hour follow up weekly painting workshops for 2 groups of 8 participants.
• A chance for all participants to select some of their work for a public exhibition where both groups to come together.
• A feedback & debrief session to assess the impact of the project & next steps for them to continue their art journey.

Why it's a great idea:

We offer a nonjudgmental playful way for participants to develop confidence & experience the fun & pleasure of playing with paint. Group activities are beneficial for wellbeing and mental health; while painting in a group we experience learning with and from each other, as well as the tutor. Fully supported by tutor and assistant each participant is guided on their creative journey. Part of the offer is to provide takeaway paint, brushes, and paper: we feel it valuable for each participant to have the chance to paint independently and enjoy the sense of freedom & wellbeing that can bring. Mentor time will be available to avoid feeling isolated. Working towards an exhibition is important and validating. It will be an opportunity for the groups to meet and see each other’s work and share their experience of the project. A previous painting student said, ‘This has opened up a whole new world of creativity possibilities for me which is having a very positive impact on my mental wellbeing.’

Steps to get it done:

• Book and confirm workshop dates with venue in Lancaster
• Develop marketing flyers and distribute with partners and community groups
• Recruitment phase with telephone contact to answer questions
• Deliver Workshops and mentor sessions
• Plan and deliver an exhibition
• Final session to evaluate the project

To support this project we have had conversation with Chris Englefield of The Men's Hub in Lancaster and Guy Christiansen of Lancashire Youth Challenge and both support the idea of our project and will help with recruitment for the workshops. Free exhibition opportunities exist at The Cornerstone in Lancaster and The Thomas Storey Room at The Storey are both possible free exhibition locations we have used before.