Creativity Works





Creativity Works Newsletter November 2017
Read all about our current work, get in touch for more info and please share with a friend or colleague to help us spread the word. 
Director's Blog

We were very pleased this month to be announced as Cultural Producers for the forthcoming Bath and North East Somerset Arts Development commissions. This role will see us find, support and develop four Community Representatives, two from Foxhill and two from the Somer Valley. The commissions have been devised using a cultural co-design model, as advocated in Arts Council England's recent report on the Arts and Communities Programme.

This is a socially engaged approach, in which a number of Co-creators are involved in the assessment process and the appointment of the successful contractors. With our support, they will then act as the conduits between the artists and the community, ensuring the specific needs of their community are met. Additionally, we will support and facilitate artists working within the project to develop a socially engaged approach to their artistic practice. This is an obvious fit for Creativity Works and complements the work that we deliver on our co|Create programme of support, development and training for socially engaged artists.

For both areas, the Somer Valley and Foxhill, we will be convening a Co-producers Group so if you are interested in being a part of this and shaping the delivery of the artistic programme in either area, then please do get in touch. It is not too late to be considered as one of the Community Representatives as well. Please do get in touch ASAP if this role is something that you might find interesting and rewarding.

Last week, we delivered a fascinating and very enjoyable workshop for students from University College London Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering. The students, most of whom were from China and other areas in the Far East, were visiting Bath on a field trip and we worked with them for an afternoon exploring how they might bring Creativity and Wellbeing into their practice as future engineers and architects. We focused the workshop around the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and, after some hilarious ice-breakers and creative exercises, themed by each one of the Ways to Wellbeing (connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, give), we set the students the task of using these ideas in a building, design and construction scenario. The results were intriguing, innovative and, in many cases, both grand and graceful. Treetop classrooms with gigantic slides leading out of the playground and down into town were some of the features of the School design, whilst Library spaces were reimagined using the shape and mechanics of a book to define space and disseminate learning. The future of environmental design is in very good hands!

We are very interested in pursuing more work of this nature, responding to the bespoke needs of Universities, schools and other educational institutions, businesses and enterprises and other cultural and third sector organisations. If you are interested in working with us to explore creativity, wellbeing, group dynamics, resilience, social enterprise or any other area of your work (or play!) please do get in touch.


Olly

Director, Creativity Works
Wellbeing  
DEADLINE EXTENDED
Call-out for Foxhill and Somer Valley residents to be a part of our next art project - Full details here. Please share with anyone you think would be interested in being a part of this exciting opportunity.

Artist Opportunities
Somerset: Engaging Libraries

We are very pleased to be working with Somerset Libraries on a substantial new project in Somerset entitled: Engaging Libraries

The overall aim of the Engaging Libraries project is to engage the local community on the subject of learning disabilities and autism using methods that are both fun and creative.

Project Brief:

We are looking for an artist facilitator to lead on the following elements of the project:
  • To work with a group of young-adults/adults with learning disabilities or autism to help re-design their local library. We would like them to re-design their library not simply as a library but as a community space which could offer all sorts of services.
  • For the re-design, we want to encourage participants to not only think about how the space should look, but also what services are provided and how we provide these services.
  • The re-design should take a physical form that can be displayed for the public to see. A large space in the library will be available to do this, and the more engaging the display, the better!
  • The final display should form a simple exhibition which explains the thinking and journey behind it. Somerset Libraries will be able to assist with this by talking to participants and helping to produce display boards that reflect these conversations. We plan to hold an open evening to showcase the displays and to invite discussion around the design.
  • We are also keen for additional ideas on engaging with the wider community on the subject of learning disabilities and the inclusivity of public spaces within Somerset Libraries. Any ideas for general community engagement will be welcomed.
  • There will be an opportunity to hold a preliminary workshop for participants and library staff, which we would like the artist facilitator to lead on. The purpose of this will be to build-up communication and relationships between all parties involved, and could take any format that the facilitator thinks would be beneficial.
Other useful information
  • In addition to the re-design, participants will also be taking part in 'takeover days' where they will be volunteering and helping to run the library. This will happen before the redesign and the purpose is to allow them to understand more about how libraries work and to provide inspiration for what could be changed.
  • A short film will also be made to document the project. It will be filmed and produced by volunteers with learning disabilities, who will be trained and supported by Somerset Film. This will hopefully be included as part of the public exhibition.
Key Information:

Locations: TBC but will be within the county of Somerset. We anticipate there will be two library settings.

Timeline (exact dates TBC):
Mid-March: Preliminary Workshop
Late March - Mid-April: Takeover Days
Late April - June: Library Re-Design
July: Public Exhibition

Fee: Circa £4k (inc. travel) per library space. Please provide a budget detailing your fees/materials for your proposal.

Travel: Please ensure that you would be able to deliver the project in potential locations throughout Somerset with your own means of transport and that your travel costs are included in your proposal budget.

To apply for this role please send a CV and a statement including:
  • Your previous experience of working with people with learning disabilities and/or autism
  • Your ideas to address the project brief
  • The challenges of the project and the barriers to participation you anticipate and how you will address these
  • A draft budget for the project (please be clear whether the budget is for one or both settings) 
Submit your application to oliver@creativityworks.org.uk by 12pm Wednesday 13th December

We are open to receiving applications from individual artists or collectives and for one or both of the locations.

co|Create Steering Group

We are looking for a number of socially engaged artists, or those who are interested in using social practice in their work, at any stage of their career, to join our co|Create Steering Group.

The Group will meet quarterly to discuss, define and feed into the co|Create programme of support, development and training for socially engaged artists. This is not a paid position; however we will pay all travel expenses, you will enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits/healthy treats and we will invite an inspirational speaker to our meetings to motivate you and spark ideas both for the co|Create programme and in your own work. As well as this group being a new, vital conduit to the artists we are trying to engage with at Creativity Works, the group will be a fantastic peer-network and could well be developed into a more formal learning set in the future.

It is anticipated that the group will meet in the most convenient place for all, probably in Bath or Radstock.

We will also be hoping that one artist per year from this group will become the Artist Representative on our Board of Trustees. As we are developing our board currently, we have determined that a representative both from the participant groups that we work alongside, and an artist are crucial to the future governance of Creativity Works.

If you are interested in being part of this group please send an email telling us why this position appeals to you and what you think you can offer to: oliver@creativityworks.org.uk

Deadline: Wed 13th December 2017
Upcoming co|Create Events
We run a highly regarded Training and Development Programme in Socially Engaged Arts for Artists at all stages of their careers and  have an exciting mix of events and training planned for the year.
 
Creative Speed Networking
Following on from the success of our event in August, the next creative networking event will be:

Date: Thursday 07 December
Time: 18.00 - 20.00
Location: Bath (Venue tbc)
Cost: £5

Come and join us for a fun and friendly networking event where you will have the opportunity to meet Creativity Works staff and other artists from the area. This event will focus on collaboration and we will engage in a speed-dating type exercise where we hope you will have stimulating exchanges and find inspiring collaborators. 

Join us for a drink, meet new people, be inspired and keep yourself up-to-date with the absorbing work of fellow artists and organisations.

Book your ticket today!

Checkout
 
B&NES Creative Wellbeing Courses


My Time My Space Project - Kenysham. 
Starts January 2018

A project for women experiencing low mood,  anxiety and postnatal depression.

Do you want time for yourself? Do you want to learn some new creative skills in a friendly, supportive environment, while your children are cared for by skilled and experienced practitioners?
 
Would you like a chance to make new friends, share experiences, promote wellbeing and have FUN?
 
No previous experience necessary. Facilitated by an artist with a health visitor present to offer advice and support.  A Children's Group will be provided - places must be booked in advance. For more information and to book a place ring 01225 395400

Where: Keynsham Children's Centre,  65 West View Rd, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2UE
 
Dates: Monday 8th Jan 12.45 - 2.45pm Introductory session - meet the team: Artist, Health Visitor, Children's Group team, and find out about the project

Project dates: Mondays 12.45 - 2.45pm
8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th January, 5th, 19th, 26th February
5th, 12th, 19th March 2018
 
My Time My Space provides a safe space environment where women can express themselves creatively and gives opportunities to develop local community and peer support.
 
This innovative project is delivered in partnership  with Creativity Works, B&NES Children's Centres, Virgin Care Health Visiting Team and Bath City College Community Learning Team.
 
For more details contact philippa@creativityworks.org.uk

"I would definitely recommend 
t his group to anyone I know. Now that the group is finished I feel much happier, contented and confident"

"There's a supportive artist who inspires you, there's a health visitor to support you, and there are people who are similar to you to listen, to express. And there's time. But all of it added up together becomes more than that. A lot more than that."

"I was worried I had to be arty, but it wasn't like that at all, I found I could just be myself"
Join our community singing project and 'Sing it Out!' 

Sing It Out is a new community choir for anyone in B&NES who would like to improve their mental health and wellbeing. 
Singing as part of a group can have a range of health benefits and give a strong sense of belonging. 
There are still some places available to join us on this fun and relaxed course!
 
The rehearsals will be a chance to sing new and familiar songs in different styles along with Christmas songs that we will choose together. There will also be warm-up and breathing exercises. Music skills are not required, we can all sing!!  The songs will be learnt by listening so there is no need to read music. ;-)

Times: 1-2.30pm
Dates: Thursdays 30th Nov, 7th Dec, 14th Dec, 21st Dec.
Venue: All Saints Centre, Weston High Street, Bath, BA1 4BX
To Book please contact: The Wellbeing College on 01225 831820
 
If you are interested or would like more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch:   Judit (music psychotherapist) -  07526 179129  B&NES Therapies Team - 01225 371 414 or talk to your care co-ordinator.
Textiles: Get Creative Crafts for Wellbeing

Boost confidence, experiment, share and learn creative textile techniques in a small supportive peer-led group. Get Creative Crafts for Wellbeing is a group that meets weekly to socialise, create and develop projects.  Come and share ideas and develop your skills. No previous experience is necessary. Suitable for B&NES residents who would like to support their wellbeing through creativity. 

When: Tuesdays (ongoing group) Start 2pm - 4pm
Where:  Odd Down Community Centre, Odins Rd,  Bath BA2 2TL 
Cost: £2 per session
To book:  Call or email: 01225 831411  email:  BATHNES.mhsls@virgincare.co.uk

Creative Writing: Writing Space

Keen to welcome new members, Writing Space is a creative peer-led support group for anyone who has some experience of writing and would like to meet with others in a friendly informal group to develop and share ideas. You don't have to be a published writer! This group is fun and welcoming to all and is suitable for anyone that would like to develop their writing skills.

If you interested in joining this group please book a place with  Philippa at Creativity Works: philippa@creativityworks.org.uk  01761 438852

Buy your own copy of the Writing Space Anthology!
An opportunity to support Writing Space

Copies of the Writing Space Anthology booklet are now available  to buy via our website, with all profits going to support the continued running of the group.

The anthology is an A5 soft cover booklet with 18 original works written by Writing Space members.  Each copy is £3.50 and includes P&P to any UK address (if international postage - please contact us).  Please allow 14 days for delivery. If you would like to buy more than 5 copies, please contact us directly to combine p&p costs.


Checkout

How I Make it Work - A review 
 A week long exhibition and creative workshopfest as part of World Mental Health Day

Creativity Works took over the 44AD Gallery in Bath for a week in October as part of World Mental Health day. The Exhibition and taster workshops were all inspired by the theme 'How I make it Work' and featured work by an amazing selection of local and international artists. 

The taster workshops ranged from Story making with Oliver Langdon of Kilter Theatre, making Batik banners with artist Barbara Disney, writing and art making with author David Davis, to Movement with dancer Catherine Brown. 

"Realising that it is possible (and vital) 
to incorporate wellbeing activities into daily life." 
Movement, meditation and drawing participant.

All the senses were explored and expressed during this week of activities and the opportunity to try out and experiance different ways of making it work gives the chance to be playful and to experiment. Some of the feed back we received really highlighted the benefits even a short creative couple of hours can have - from feeling an increse in confidence and sense of relaxation to feeling less worry or anxiety.

We were also joined by a group from Hearing Action Loss who worked together to created a beautiful banner. All ages and backgrounds came together during this week, and we are alreday looking forward to creating another week of inspirational creative activities for next year's World Mental Health Day. 

"Really helped focus where I am in my process, gave me practices I will definitely use!"
Moving Stories participant
"Being and talking and sharing joy with other people."
Painting and Textiles: Batik, participant
"Imaginative way of shaking things up and looking at familiar spaces in a creative way. Thanks."
Making it up as you go along participant


Well Wessex Launch
HRH The Countess of Wessex attends the launch of Well Wessex  - a new collaboration supporting good health and wellbeing throughout Somerset.



Creativity Works are part of a new collaboration with three other charities: The Balsam Centre, Chard WATCH and Heads Up, with the aim of improving effective mental health provision across Somerset by sharing their knowledge, expertise and resources. 

Each charity has its own individual approach and all include use of peer support to assist in recovery and maintenance of good mental health and wellbeing. The charities have been developing a new and effective model to meet the many challenges and changes currently taking place in the field of mental health.

The launch of Well Wessex, held on the 01 November at the Balsam Centre in Wincanton, was officially opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex, who has been on a tour of the South West. 
Upcoming Exhibitions

New Views Exhibition 
Celebrating 250 years of the Royal Crescent
Throughout 2017, hundreds of visitors including families, community groups and schoolchildren have joined in the celebration of the Royal Crescent's 250th anniversary. A number of these groups have been supported by Creativity Works, and the work created as a result of the creative courses will be going on show as part of an exhibition which opens on the 25th November.

'New Views' is a vibrant and exciting showcase of photography, drama and textiles. The exhibition will include work by St Andrew's C of E Primary School, FreshArt@, Snap and Stroll, and the Pathways to Wellbeing project in partnership with the Holburne Museum.

Open to the public in the Brownsword Gallery, No.1 Royal Crescent from 25th November to 17th December.
Free with normal admission or half price exhibition only.

Lead artists on New Views:
  • Sally Collister (Snap and Stroll - My Views)
  • Barbara Disney (FreshArt@)
  • Beverley Ferguson (Artist in Residence, No.1 Royal Crescent, 2017)
  • Kate Pawsey (Creative Writing)
  • Sophie Piddock (GLAG)
  • Paula Tew (Recollection & Afternoon Tea)
"All of these artists have come through Creativity Works either as participants, volunteers and/or artists who have contributed to our wellbeing programme," noted Philippa Forsey, Creativity Works Wellbeing Manager. "It's exciting to see their progression and involvement with this project and how we are connected."

Project partners:
  • St Andrew's C of E Primary School ('Jubilation' Drama)
  • Gardener's Lodge Art Group - The Holburne Museum's Pathways to Wellbeing project
  • IMAGE Peer led Museums Group - as above
  • Induction into Museum Volunteering - as above
  • Recollection & Afternoon tea - The Holburne Museum and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
  • @FreshArt - Creativity Works, The Holburne Museum's Pathways to Wellbeing project, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Virgincare
  • Snap and Stroll - My Views, Creativity Works
  • Age UK (B&NES) (Creative Writing workshops)

Creative Perspectives Exhibition
Until January 2018 Royal United Hospital, Central Corridor

 
Creative Perspectives art group are proud to be exhibiting their work at the Royal United Hospital, Bath. Come along and support them and Art at the Heart and take the opportunity to buy an original piece of artwork by local artists.
 
Creative Perspectives is a peer led visual arts creative group in Bath. Successful fundraising through Quartet Community Foundation and a partnership with Creativity Works and Bath Museums initially enabled the group to plan for 6 weeks of creative activity during the summer period 2015.
 
By September 2015 the team had grown to 12 people who were all keen to continue to keep the group going. The group has been meeting weekly at Bath Artist's Studios for over a year now; a fantastic venue to meet and create amongst an already vibrant and talented artistic community. All members help plan further sessions, creative activities, fundrais ing and new ideas are always welcome.
 
Recently members from the group took part in a research project in conjunction with Creativity Works and Bath University to evidence the value of creativity and its contribution to wellbeing.
 
Creative Perspectives offers an opportunity to meet others, learn and share creative ideas, gain confidence in a safe and friendly environment and contribute to the planning and continuation of Creative Perspectives. The group is planned and run by members for its members with occasional facilitation by visiting artists. It is suitable for those who would like to support their wellbeing through creativity. This is not a drop-in group but if you are interested in becoming a member and contributing to its continuation please contact: Philippa@creativityworks.org.uk - 01761 438852
Other News, Useful Websites, Articles & Events

New Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance announced 
by Arts Council England

The National Alliance for Museums, Health and Wellbeing and the National Alliance for Arts, Health and Wellbeing have announced that from April 2018 they will be merging to become a new Sector Support Organisation, the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance (CHWA). 

Funded by Arts Council England as part of the National Portfolio Fund 2018-2022, the new organisation will be led by Arts & Health South West. 

Alex Coulter, Director of Arts & Health South West says: ' We are extremely grateful to Arts Council England for recognising the importance of supporting arts and cultural organisations to embed health and wellbeing in their work. The Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance will work towards a national infrastructure to realise the potential for the arts and culture to contribute to creating a healthy society.'

CHWA will combine the complementary strengths of the two sectors and will have a strong emphasis on the potential of national strategic developments that can be activated by strong regional and local place based working. CHWA will work with the sector to develop training and advocacy, methods and platforms for sharing evidence, as well as opportunities for networking between the cultural and health sectors.

It will provide the secretariat to the AllParty Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing and be a key partner in delivering the recommendations of the APPG's 2 Year Inquiry to be announced in parliament on 19th July. Prof Helen Chatterjee, Chair and Co-Founder of the National Alliance for Museums, Health and Wellbeing says: 'We are delighted to be able to take forward the work of the Alliance in collaboration with the arts and health sector, which has been a source of inspiration for museums. In turn we look forward to sharing the museum sector's experience of engaging audiences with the nations heritage to benefit the wider cultural sector.'

The new alliance constitutes the biggest alliance of culture and health organisations and practitioners that there has ever been and this represents a major opportunity for both the culture and health sectors, as Deborah Munt, Chair of the National Alliance for Arts, Health and Wellbeing explains: 'The culture, health and wellbeing sector safeguards a particular set of values, perspectives and ambitions in relation to human health and flourishing and its workforce overflows with great imagination and bold ideas. Through CHWA we can help create the conditions in which this gains more traction, greater visibility and deliberate development so that ultimately more people can actively choose culture in shaping their own wellbeing.'

For more information about Arts Council England - follow this link
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With Best Wishes,

The Creativity Works Team


For more information:
Tel: 01761 438852    Email:  info@creativityworks.org.uk  

Supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Arts Council England

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Creativity Works | 01761 438852 | info@creativityworks.org.uk | http://www.creativityworks.org.uk
Leigh House
1 Wells Road
Radstock
Bath, BA3 3RN
Supported by:

BANES-Council


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