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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.
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| Director's Blog
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'Resilience' is something that I seem to be encountering a lot at the moment. At a recent strategy team meeting here at Creativity Works, we had a protracted discussion regarding exactly what 'resilience' and 'sustainability' really mean. It was a very interesting exercise for us, as we try to indeed become more 'resilient' and 'sustainable' through a variety of initiatives including an entrepreneurial drive inspired by my recent learning at The School of Social Entrepreneurs. We just about came to an agreement at the end!
These terms are used frequently within our sector currently, and for good reason I believe. In a recent research session with a colleague who is doing a fascinating study into arts funding and much of the terminology used, we wondered where these terms had originated from and why organisations such as Arts Council England had decided to attach themselves to such terminology.
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Following the DCMS Culture White Paper (2016), Arts Council England have recently announced their four support opportunities, that will aim to 'boost' or 'build' your capacity for income diversification, entrepreneurialism and such like. I recently attended a seminar/information session on one of these schemes, Boosting Resilience: Survival Skills for the New Normal that markets itself as "an intense, boundary-pushing and catalytic two year Executive Learning programme." It was a fascinating event and I am sure will be an extremely impactful programme. Choosing which of the four programmes to apply for will be my task over the next few weeks.
An interesting point that did come up from the aforementioned seminar was that the programme could be open to individual artists, not just organisations, I do hope that is the case as it wold be much needed and appreciated. If any individual artists are interested, my advice would be to get in touch with the relevant delivery organisation. The Culture Capital Exchange is the lead partner for Boosting Resilience, and the others can be found online.
In our own attempt to support the sector and to enhance the resilience of artists, we see the return of our extremely popular Art of Fundraising Course. I would highly recommend this co|Create event as not only is it run by a very experienced fundraiser with experience of the arts alongside an artist with a considerable track record in her own fundraising, but we also have input from Arts Council England who will focus on the Grants for the Arts programme and an expert from B&NES who will be looking at other potential income generation avenues.
My resilience is now being put to the test as I have to take Betty out for a walk in the pouring rain. I hope she appreciates my efforts to make her life one of sustainable comfort and enjoyment!
Olly
Director, Creativity Works
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Will you help us unlock £250 of match funding?
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We have an opportunity through Local Giving to unlock £250 of match funding for our Palace of Wonder project which starts this month in Radstock and we need your help!
The Palace of Wonder, the first instalment of our new young people's initiative, The Radstock Arts Project, is aimed at supporting young vulnerable women aged between 11-19. The Palace, facilated by artist Edwina
Bridgeman, will be open weekly as a place to come and create, explore and relax. This project has been created as a result of the identified need in Radstock and the Somer Valley from a research project conducted with the University of Bath.
How the funding will be spent
The money raised will go towards enabling vulnerable young women to access the workshops and further support.
There will be an emphasis on the exploration of materials with opportunities to work collaboratively and independently.
How this will benefit the community
Key Outcomes:
- Promoting mental health, wellbeing & physical health
- Improving social inclusion & quality of life
- Increasing social contacts/ social capital
- Reducing anti-social behaviour
- Reducing addictive behaviour
- Realising personal growth & developing creative potential through learning & development of skills
- Developing relationships, trust and hope
- Provide early intervention & prevention initiatives which create long term savings in social & health care
How you can help by
THANK YOU The Palace of Wonder Local Giving Fundraising Page We do appreciate you reading our newsletter monthly and this is a tangible way to be actively involved with one of our projects. We will, of course, keep you updated on our progress! |
B&NES Creative Wellbeing Groups
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New Snap and Stroll Dates!
Boost confidence, get outside, learn basic digital photography and computer editing skills within a small and supportive group.
8 sessions will include exploring the natural and built environment of Radstock and Bath (see dates for each below) by foot as well as time indoors for discussions, group activities and viewing and editing photos.
There will also be the chance to exhibit your work and take part in curating workshops at the end of the course.
No previous experience is necessary. You are welcome to bring along your own camera or digital cameras will be provided for you. This course is provided free of charge for B&NES residents.
This creative group is suitable for those who are experiencing or in recovery from anxiety, depression and mental health challenges.
Tuesdays: 2pm - 5pm
Dates: 27 June, 4, 11, 18, 25 July, 1st, 8th and 21st Aug 2017
Venue: Somer Valley Campus, Bath College, Wells Road, Radstock, BA3 3RW
Bath
Thursdays: 2pm - 5pm
Dates: 29 June, 6, 13, 20, 27 July, 3, 10th and 21st Aug 2017
Venue: Bath College, Avon Street, BA1 1UP
To book you place:
Ring Community Learning team Tel: 01225 328822 or Vicki Chapman Tel: 01761 433161 ext 330
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Writing Space
Writing Space is a creative peer 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 if suitable for anyone that would like to support their wellbeing through creativity.
Writing Space will be working with artist facilitator Roz Mascall over the coming few weeks to develop ideas.
If you interested in joining this group please book a place with Philippa at Creativity Works: philippa@creativityworks.org.uk 01761 438852
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Textiles: Get Creative Crafts for Wellbeing
Boost confidence, experiment, share and learn creative textile techniques in a small supportive group. Skill Seekers 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) Arrive 1.30pm for a cuppa. Start 2pm - 4pm
Where: Odd Down Community Centre,
Odins Rd, Bath BA2 2TL
Cost: £2 per session
To book: Call or email: Lesley Johnston tel: 01225 831411 email:
BATHNES.mhsls@virgincare.co.uk
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| An Angel and a Devil - A Poem |
We love sharing work with you from our course participants and this month we have a poem called 'An Angel and a Devil' from one of the participants in the Beginners Writing group.
The beginners writing group was a 10 week course which began in February, for those with no previous experience to develop their confidence in creative writing. This course was for those who are experiencing or in recovery from anxiety, depression and mental health challenges. This particular participant has gone on to join our weekly Writing Space group in Bath.
We hope you enjoy the poem. |
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An Angel and a Devil
I am an angel and a devil
I wonder how I can change
I hear people saying they are astonished and afraid of me
I see clouds and flames
I want to be a cloud
I am too confused of who I am
I feel the heat of the flames
I touch the clouds and I relax
I worry about my future
I cry at night and rise in the morning
I am too coward to decide
I understand that I have to be an angel
I say angels are on the clouds
I dream at night and I rise in the morning
I hope to defeat the flames, but...
I am an angel and a devil
by participant of beginners writing course
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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.
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Volunteer Artist role for Palace of Wonder
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Creativity Works is seeking a passionate and reliable Volunteer Artist to work alongside Lead Artist Edwina Bridgeman, on 'The Palace of Wonder,' the first instalment of our new young people's initiative, The Radstock Arts Project.
The weekly workshops will be welcoming and relaxed with an emphasis on the exploration of materials. These materials will vary from paint to clay, textiles to spray paint, there will be opportunities to work both 2 and 3 dimensionally, opportunities also to work collaboratively and independently.
Transformation of everyday materials is central to Edwina's practice and the work made in the Palace will reflect this. The workshops will be non-judgemental and offer a space in which to explore ideas creatively in an atmosphere of mutual support. Sessions will include felt making, newspaper and tape modelling, painting, painting with oil bar, clay, costume design, creating spaces/ dens, textiles. The workshops will be run according to the participants interests.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send us your CV (or a description of your relevant experience) and tell us (in no more than 250 words) why you think you are suitable for this role and what you hope to gain from it.
Please send your applications to Oliver Jones oliver@creativityworks.org.uk by 10am on Wednesday 21st June. Please note that you must be available to start the project a week later on Wednesday 26th June
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The Art Of Fundraising (not to be missed!)
Are you full of ideas for a creative project and would like support on where to go to get funding and how to maximise your chances of gaining funding? Then this is for you!
A full day workshop led by professional fundraiser Jo Byron with guest speakers.
Ruth Kapadia from Arts Council England will present her
perspective and advice in response to the current climate and Arts Council England's priorities.
Peter Salt,
Arts Development Officer B&NES who has a broad experience to draw on - a graduate of the National Arts Fundraising School, a trustee with fundraising responsibility for an arts organisation in another part of the country, and as an individual donor, will also be presenting and sharing his knowledge.
Rebecca Swindell, an artist with personal experience of successful fundraising for creative projects.
The Art of Fundraising will include:
- Researching and identifying funding sources
- How to tell your 'story', pitching and writing a fundraising bid
- Time to explore your own project, to receive tips and advice on how to take it forward with possible avenues of funding
- Funding Booklet
"It was fantastic. It changed my life. I had a complete block about going for funding. The fundraising workshop made such a difference. I'm already using the information and doing a funding bid."
"So grateful for all the expertise shared. I have learnt a great deal and I'm feeling much more confident."
"Feel super motivated. Can't wait to start."
"All of it was brilliant."
When:
Thursday 6th July
Where:
Futures Hub, Roper Building, Bath College, Avon Street, Bath BA1 1UP
Cost:
£50 to include The Art of Fundraising Booklet
Booking:
 
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Monthly Mental Health Training Talks
One hour lectures followed by an hours discussion with medical colleagues.
Tuesdays 10.30-12.30
Upcoming talks:
- 20 June - The Mental Health Act
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25 July - Dual Diagnosis
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29 August - Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT)
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Mental Health Awareness Training for Artists & Volunteers
Supporting People with Mental Health Needs and Supporting People with Mental Health Needs in Group situations
For those of you who missed the first mental health awareness training day, the morning will cover supporting people with mental health needs including mental health awareness, stigma, communication and planning. The afternoon will focus on working with people with mental health needs in group situations and is tailored to artists delivery and project context.
You can book onto just the morning but need to have mental health awareness to attend the afternoon as it builds on that knowledge and understanding.
When: Monday 26th June 2017 10am-1pm and 2-4pm
Where: Watershed, Bristol BS1 5TX
Cost: Free
This training is delivered in partnership with St Mungos and facilitated by Laurie Grandi
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Radical Landscapes: A Reflection, by Roz Mascall
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One of the artworks created during the Radical Landscapes workshop
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Radical Landscapes was a Creative Inspiration Day on the 16 May, facilitated by International Language Artist Camilla Nelson. Roz, who participated, has written a piece about her experience for us:
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a newly formed circle, we faced outwards, towards the trees, with silent eyes and open minds. Camilla, in her bobble hat, walked slowly around us. Her voice, louder and then distant with her passing steps asked us, what did we feel in our bodies and in our bones and below our feet?
I felt a minor ache. I felt fresh-air filling my lungs. I felt relaxed.
The one-day workshop: Radical Landscapes, was an introduction to working with landscape. The aim was to expand our awareness of what our bodies are, and what they do, or can do, in relation to the natural world. As a writer, I like to perch on a rock or roam the fields, but usually to disengage rather than to connect with my surroundings. Here, Camilla presented us with techniques such as Movement, Mark-making and Sound as ways to connect physically and for us to develop our ideas and forms of expression. The spacious garden of Bath's American Museum was the perfect location for this multi-sensory venture.
Together, in pairs and individually, the day unfolded with energy and creativity. Artists and writers worked playfully under clouds, as well as in the shelter of the old Coach House - bringing elements of the landscape with us.
A mesmerising performance between two artists entwined with low branches, illustrated how the body can mirror nature. Scarring the soil with letters using twigs allowed us to make our mark. A grotto within the foliage became a stage for poetry (with unicorns and beasts). The ideas kept blossoming. We ducked our faces into a perfectly manicured hedge and entered an otherworldly environment. And when we interpreted the colours of the landscape with our voices, the space filled with an echoing cacophony of noise.
I arrived home later, exhilarated and inspired, and I asked myself: what do I feel in my body? It felt like I'd inhaled enough fresh-air to fill a hot air balloon and I'd witnessed enough creativity to take-off.
daisies mend a scar
songful by the May Tree Arch
moving, flow, this way ...
(Mascall, 2017)
What other artists said about the day:
 Camilla Nelson during a playful moment!
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"Fantastic, creative, stimulating, generous, energising"
"Loved it! Feel inspired"
"I liked how varied and multi-sensory the activities were"
"Took me out my comfort zone to explore and play with new ways of looking at things"
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Are you looking to expand your skills and make a real and lasting difference in B&NES?
Help make a positive difference and join our board
Based in Radstock just outside of Bath, Creativity Works are focused on the power of creativity and artistic engagement to improve communities, health and wellbeing. We offer specialist training to artists through our co|Create programme, design place-making programmes to support developing local communities, and run outstanding artistic projects.
So why should you join us? We are at a pivotal time of change as an organisation - our ambitions for 2018-22 are to:
- Further develop an enterprise based model to our work
- Develop an MA in Socially Engaged Arts
- Relocate to a new building to grow our work and the organisation.
We are looking to expand our trustee base and are particularly looking for trustees with a strong background in finance, law, HR, IT, enterprise or property acquisition.
The Board meets 6 times per year and is a friendly and committed team. This opportunity offers a chance to broaden your skills and continuing professional development as well as the possibility to undertake training in new areas and make a real difference to communities in Bath & North East Somerset and beyond.
To apply please send a letter outlining your interest and a CV to our Chair Louise Lappin-Cook:
louiselappincook@gmail.com by the 30th June 2017.
It's good to know that I'm a small part of something that has such a huge positive impact
for the participants we work with
Exiting Trustee, 2017
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Creativity Works Upcoming Events
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FreshArt@ Exhibition
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FreshArt@ Exhibition
South Corridor, RUH, Bath
New artwork created for the walls of Swallows Therapy Rooms, Paulton Hospital by participants on the creative wellbeing programme and inspired by workshops within the Holburne Museum, No 1 Royal Crescent and the American Museum supported by AWP, Creativity Works and Virgin Care.
Venue: Bath Royal United Hospital, South Corridor, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG
Opening times: All Day
Dates Tuesday 30th May - September. Entrance free
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Creativity Works to speak at the International Conference for Culture, Health & Wellbeing
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Creativity Works, peer group members and volunteers alongside University researchers will present their findings based on recent participatory action research with University of the West of England and University of Bath. We will review some of the discoveries and identified challenges around the question of: How can creative activity support sustainable models of wellbeing and mental health recovery?
Interest in supporting the sustainability of creative groups has led to the co-creation of a Toolkit to support peer led groups and participatory research with UWE and Bath University.
Presenters
Philippa Forsey, Manager of Creative Wellbeing Services for Creativity Works.
Lynda Tweedie is an artist and volunteer member of Creative Perspectives creative peer support group in Bath.
Tom Cook is a writer and volunteer member of Writing Space creative peer led group in Bath.
Dr Justin Rogers and Megan Robb are from the University of Bath and have an interest in community based participatory research and public engagement.
Monday 19th June 4pm - 5pm
Peer led Groups and Co-production in arts and health
Venue - City Hall Lord Mayors Room
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Other News, Useful Websites, Articles & Events
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World Mental Health Day - 10 October
Get in touch if you'd like to get involved with planning a creative event for this day.
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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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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,
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Instagram or
Pinterest!
With Best Wishes,
The Creativity Works Team
For more information:
Supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Arts Council England |
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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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