Creativity Works





Creativity Works Newsletter August 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

Networks are abundant these days. You can hardly move for networks. I am sure most of us are connected through at least one source of social network, and for many artists this is an effective way of feeling part of a community and getting to know what is going on in the world. Freelancing can be such a lonely life and it is vital to have that source of information and counsel. What I have noticed is that many of the new online networking organisations, such as The Dots and creativepool are for those working in the creative industry rather than the cultural industry. I am sure this is driven by economics and the greater remuneration received for creative services rather than cultural output.

Making sure that there is provision of active, positive and affordable networking opportunities is central to our co|Create offer. We also consider face-to-face networking to be far more fruitful than online in any case. We have a networking evening coming up on Thursday 31st August in Bath where artists and others will have the chance to meet a number of like-minded and inspirational people and we will also be offering £100 to a couple or group who have met and would like to continue to meet and see if a collaboration can be established. This is obviously not a project budget, but rather a stepping stone to enable subsequent confabs. Coffee and transport basically! See this month's newsletter for more details and how to attend.

Further to this event and successive ones planned for later in the year, we are also very keen to create mini networks of peer-support, based on art-form, creative practice or geography. We will be launching these soon and really believe they could be an integral part of freelance life in the future. We are also very keen to hear from you if you have an idea for a creative networking event and we will see if we can make this happen.

We are very excited this month to extend our micro-commissioning model to our work in mental health, with opportunities for artists to give us their ideas for short interventions for Mental Health Awareness week and also for a longer programme as part of the Mental Health Creative Support Service. Being able to offer employment opportunities for artists is the segue between our co|Create programme and our programme of socially engaged arts delivery, and we do hope that you will take the time to look and see if any of these opportunities are suitable for you, especially if you are an emerging artist and seeking more experience of social practice.


Olly

Director, Creativity Works
Wellbeing  




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.
 
co|Create News
Creative Speed Networking
Date: Thursday 31st August 
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. 

There will be a small amount of money on offer to the most exciting idea to emerge from the evening to enable future meetings and exchange of ideas.

Do come along, have 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


Artists' call-out for  two micro-commissions 
Opportunity no.1: Letters of the Alphabet

We have an exciting opportunity for a socially engaged artist with experience facilitating workshops within a mental health context.

The theme of the programme is 'Letters of the Alphabet' and we are interested in hearing from artists across a range of art forms.

Project Dates: Monday mornings 10.30 - 1pm Sept - Dec. 10 x sessions

Venue: Bath central

Fee: £800

Pre-course meeting 4th Sept 10.30am

We are looking for proposals that will achieve the following outcomes:
  • To encourage participants to develop ideas, learn new skills and have fun
  • To support participants to make a range of products for a Christmas market
  • Workshops to be inclusive and accessible for a range of abilities
  • Within this programme two separate sessions will support participants to look at publicity and costing
Skills required:
  • Experienced socially engaged artist
  • Experienced facilitator within an arts and mental health context
  • Multi artform responses that are flexible and meet the needs of participants

Please fill out an application form and send it to philippa@creativityworks.org.uk by 12 noon Thursday 17th August  Contact Philippa for more details 01761 438852

Download a copy of the application form here:  Application Form

Opportunity no.2: Mental Health Week Celebration

During the week 10th - 14th October we have 4 opportunities available for artists to take part in our Mental Health Week celebrations and deliver a 2 hour creative workshop for the public.

We are looking for creative project ideas that will invite participants to take part in a 2 hour workshop to link with the theme 'How I make it work'. We are also interested in themes that link to the '5 Ways to Wellbeing' (Connect, Keep Learning, Be Active, Give and Take Notice)
  • Each commission is worth £150 (inclusive of preparation time, 2 hours facilitation in a public space and materials) We will be using 44AD Gallery (http://www.44ad.net/) as a base during our 1 week exhibition
  • Theme: 'How I make it work' which will link to this years World Mental Health Day 10th October
  • Venue: 44AD Bath
  • Dates available: 10th - 14th Oct
We are interested in hearing from you if you are experienced in socially engaged arts and in facilitating workshops within a mental health or arts and health context.

Please fill out an application form and send it to philippa@creativityworks.org.uk by Monday 4th September  Contact Philippa for more details 01761 438852

Download a copy of the application form here: Application Form

Writing Space Anthology Launch - 22 August, Bath



Join us for the launch of the new Anthology written and produced by Writing Space,  one of our peer led groups. 

Where: St James' Wine Vaults,
            10 St James Street,
            Bath
When: Tuesday 22nd August 
Time:   7 pm onwards

This event is open to all, and will take place in the upstairs room at St James' Wine Vaults. There will be readings of poetry and prose from members of our creative writing group, showcasing some of our work from the past year.

Nibbles and light refreshments will be served and copies of our new Writing Space Anthology will be on sale (£2.50). We hope you can make it for what promises to be an entertaining and thought provoking evening.  We hope you'll be able to join us!

We welcome you into our writing space
A wonderfully creative, special place
Where you will always find a friendly face

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 is 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

Are you taking part in the Summer Wellbeing Challenge this month?


For the second year we're inviting you to join us in getting creative this August as part of our Summer Wellbeing Challenge! Full details are on our website. Share your creations and experiences with us on social media using the #creativesummer17
B&NES Creative Wellbeing Groups



Writing Space - see entry above under Writing Space Anthology

Textiles: Get Creative Crafts for Wellbeing

Boost confidence, experiment, share and learn creative textile techniques in a small supportive 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

Creativity Works Upcoming Events
Snap & Stroll Exhibition - opens 22 August, Bath



The Radstock and Bath Snap & Stroll groups will come together for a joint exhibition at the Guildhall in Bath hosted by the Chair of the Council, Cherry Beath from 22nd Aug - 25th Sept 


The photography on display are the results from the Time to Snap and Stroll sessions that have been run in Radstock and Bath this year.

Participants from both sessions, who are living with mental health challenges, found new sources of inspiration in their local areas, improved their skills and enjoyed meeting new people in small and supportive groups. The project has been a great way to share ideas, explore the local environment and see new talents develop.

The courses were facilitated by Photographer, Sally Collister of community interest company - In Picture, who worked with the groups sharing digital photography techniques and editing skills over 8 weeks. On the last two sessions curator, Katie Constantine from Bath College, shared skills in how to display artwork for an exhibition.  

By visiting this exhibition, which showcases the skills learnt by the participants - some with no previous photography  experiance, you'll discover just how powerful snapping and strolling for wellbeing can be.

We hope you'll be able to visit - and please do share your experience  with us if you go!

Monday - Saturday
9am - 5pm daily
The Guildhall Bath
High St, City Centre, Bath BA1 5AW
FreshArt@ Exhibition

FreshArt@ Exhibition
South Corridor, RUH, Bath

New artwork has been 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 -  30th September. 
Entrance:  Free

Other News, Useful Websites, Articles & Events

Do you have a BA1, BA2 or BA15 postcode and 
10 minutes to spare? 

A local MSc Sustainability student is seeking participants for an anonymous survey on 'Connection to Nature' - exploring reasons why people are connected to (or disconnected from) the natural world, and the impact this has on wellbeing. Please follow the link to complete the survey. Thanks for your time!



Holburne Museum - Mentored Volunteering Programme places available!


As part of Pathways to Wellbeing Programme the Holburne are launching a Mentored Volunteering project which starts in September 2017. Application deadline is: Monday 4 September 2017

Would you or anyone you work with be interested in a 6 week project, working in a museum with a trained Museum Mentor to develop skills, confidence and knowledge?
 
There are 15 places available for people with lived experience of mental health issues, loneliness or homelessness to work with a trained mentor in 5 Bath Museums, The Holburne, American Museum, Herschel, MoBA & Royal Crescent.  Course runs from: 26 September - 10 November, 2017
  • 6 week project
  • 2 hours contact time per week (day and time to suit mentor and participant)
  • Based in one of 5 museums (choose a museum you are interested in and fill out an application form - see at bottom of this article - this has more specific info about each site)
  • Find out about museum volunteering, get out, meet new people and develop skills, knowledge and confidence
  • A pathway into museum/ heritage volunteering (if you choose to register as a volunteer at the end of the course)
Anyone who is interested should choose which museum they'd like to 'get to know' - perhaps based on their interests, the different collections and location. See below for individual application forms for each of the 5 participating museums.

After this date successful applicants will be contacted with further information about the course.
 
Please share and spread the word!

Please contact  Louise Campion,  Learning and Community Engagement Officer at the Holburne - email l.campion@holburne.org,  if you require further information.

They can help with individual travel costs if this would be a barrier to engagement.
 
The Holburne Museum
Great Pulteney Street
Bath BA2 4DB

Direct line: 01225 388566



World Mental Health Day - 10 October

Get in touch if you'd like to get involved with planning a creative event for this day - see above for our call-out for artists and two micro-commissions. 
Simply click through Give as You Live every time you shop online to raise money for Creativity Works

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, Instagram or Pinterest


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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Registered Charity No. 1075812 Company No. 3768255 Creativity Works for Everyone is a company limited by guarantee registered in England