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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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It seems that every month, I am compelled to mention yet more social, political or environmental turbulence that we as individuals, and collectively as communities, have to deal with, locally, nationally and internationally.
As I write this, the cabinet are meeting to discuss the ludicrous mess that is Brexit, firefighters in California continue to brave the worst forest-fires in over 100 years, and locally, many of our communities are trying to fathom out ways of living following another round of devastating cuts from the local authority. This may well sound like hyperbole, scare-mongering, and alarmism, but 'on the ground', in our experience, there are genuine causes for concern that are seriously affecting people's mental health and wellbeing and the functioning of their communities.
We very much welcome the health and social care secretary's recent announcement that prevention will have as great an emphasis as cure in the NHS's long-term plan. This is something we, and many other colleagues, have advocated for over a long period of time. Our highly impactful Creative Wellbeing Programme aims to feed into this preventative agenda and is seen by many as an invaluable part of their lives.
As an organisation, we have developed further programmes that we hope, will become invaluable parts of people's lives and their careers, improving their wellbeing, and supporting them to be effective socially engaged artists. Our newly designed co|Create programme involves four strands including Creative Inspiration, Enterprise Works, Safe Practice and a new resilience programme.
The Creative Resilience Programme explores themes of personal resilience and develops tools for use in your life and your career through Creativity Works' own evidence-based model. It has been developed with artists and business experts alike, and is aimed at individual artists and the employees of businesses.
For more details on all of these initiatives, take a look in this months newsletter.
To counter the negativity that may have oozed from the first couple of paragraphs of this blog, I would like to mention a fantastic project that I have discovered (although far too late!) that is dealing with some of society's knottiness. 'Bank Job' is led by filmmaker Dan Edelstyn and artist Hilary Powell who together run Optimistic Foundation. I think it is a sublimely conceived project, full of creativity, social engagement and sustainability. Enjoy!
https://bankjob.pictures/bank/
Olly
Director, Creativity Works
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New co|Create Programme Announced
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co|Create is Creativity Works' artists' training and development programme, the aim of which is to support socially engaged artists to have sustainable and effective careers.
Following a period of research alongside our co|Create steering group, made up of emerging and established artists, we have developed a comprehensive programme of workshops and events that respond to the specific needs of the artist working in social practice today.
The programme contains four complementary strands:
Creative Inspiration
Opportunities to gain inspiration, insight and motivation from some of the most skilled and capable socially engaged artists working today, as well as practical and stimulating skills workshops in areas such as creative facilitation and project design.
Enterprise Works
Essential business skills with a focus on the artist as social entrepreneur. This programme explores some of the most vital elements of running yourself as a successful business, with additional peer-support and valuable resources.
Safe Practice
Inspired by our own experience, this series of workshops includes the essential elements of being able to work safely within a mental health and wellbeing context.
Creative Resilience
This is an evidence-based programme, made with artists, for artists. Based on Creativity Works' own model, this programme will support your personal wellbeing and offer practical tools to enhance your own resilience, meaning you are able to deal more effectively with the ups and downs in your life and your career. This initiative is not only delivered creatively, but uses creativity itself as a central theme.
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Start the New Year with some Creative Inspiration!
Walking, Creating and Connecting
Would you like to explore ways of walking to inspire your creativity, connect with your senses and create a deeper understanding of your relationship to place?
Led by artist Christina Sanders, this three hour 'Walkshop' explores a range of approaches to walking, drawing on surrealist games to playfully imagine and interpret your surroundings, linking personal memories and associations with landscape, whilst introducing new ways to capture your impressions. It offers an invitation to walk consciously, with awareness, taking in sights, smells, sounds and textures; to be aware of memories and associations that arise with each step.
Participants will have the opportunity to try out a number of different approaches, using walking as both inventive and reflective practice.
At the end of the 'Walkshop', we will come together to share experiences and discuss ways to use and develop them in your work.
Date: Thursday 21st January
Time: 10am-1pm
Venue: Bath (tbc)
Price: £30.00
Book your place: Creativewalkshop Tickets
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Self-Portraiture as Visual Activism
Led by artist Noe Warren, this captivating and stimulating workshop aims to inspire artists and their socially engaged practice through an exploration of self-portraiture as a tool for visual activism.
Through a mix of self-reflection, conversation, photography skills-learning, and ultimately a unique and intimate portraiture session, it will encourage participants to create visual manifestations of themselves using photography and performance.
The workshop will also include a fascinating introduction into the work of leading photographers that practice self-portraiture as visual activism.
Noe Warren is a multidisciplinary artist and workshop facilitator. They have photographed performances all over the UK and worked with a vast range of independent performance artists and performance venues such as the Shakespeare Foundation and the Marlborough Theatre. Their workshops focus on experiences of resilience, transition and empowerment.
Date: Friday 15th February
Time: 2-5pm
Venue: Bath (tbc)
Price: £30.00
Book your place: Self-Portraiture Tickets
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Creative Resilience Programme
We know how difficult it is to sustain a career in the arts; especially socially engaged arts. Be the first to experience our brand-new Creative Resilience Programme. Our approach uses evidence-based research and best practice to explore themes of Self-Awareness, Diversity and the impact of your Environment and develops tools to grow your personal resilience, concentrating on Adaptability, Re-framing, Maintenance and Support-Networks.
The programme is not only delivered creatively, but also uses creativity itself as a central theme.
Artists taking part will develop skills in recognising situations and settings that could have an adverse effect on their mental health and wellbeing and their ability to work creatively, as well as finding ways to increase their confidence, outlook and support networks, and ensuring they are well-equipped to deal with the obstacles that both life and career present.
This is our pilot course and in return for a dramatically-reduced price, all we ask is that you give us your honest feedback afterwards.
co|Create pilot price: £25
Only 20 places available
[Regular Price: £150 co|Create price £75]
Date: Friday 18th January
Time: 10am-4.30pm Venue: Bath (tbc)
Book your place: Creative Resilience Tickets |
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Creative Resilience Programme Survey for business owners
The Creative Resilience Programme has been developed by enterprise and creative experts with the aim of supporting businesses with the personal resilience of their employees, leading to an increase in employee wellbeing in the workplace, increased productivity and increased staff retention.
If you are a business-owner, run a business, or work in a business managing staff, we would very much appreciate your time in completing this very short survey to help us further develop the initiative:
Creative Resilience Survey
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Artist Call-out: Fresh Art@ on ward sessions
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Artist opportunity to provide a series of 4 creative visual arts / multimedia sessions on an acute inpatient ward. [commencing February 2019]
We are interested in artists who have experience of facilitating quality creative workshops within a mental health environment and are prepared for and aware of the challenges that may arise in this context. We are looking for artists with a flexible, understanding and calm approach. This project will be delivered alongside museum staff and an understanding of what this may entail will be an advantage.
Deadline: 02 December 2018
Fresh Art@ B&NES, is a partnership project supported by Creativity Works, Avon & Wiltshire NHS Mental Health Partnership Trust (AWP), The Holburne Museum, No1 Royal Crescent, The American Museum in Britain and Virgin Care, that creates new artwork to enliven NHS environments. The artists are people living with experience of mental health and the project enables them to explore, develop and grow through creativity and contribute to community projects.
Please read the attached Artists Project Brief [See link below] and return your application to Philippa Forsey by midnight Sunday 2nd December 2018
If you would like further information about the on ward sessions please contact Natasha, Fresh Art Worker via: natasha.beesley@nhs.net
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Do you live in Foxhill and want to learn how to create an animation?
The hugely talented Angela Frankham [See our interview with Angela below] is bringing The Animation Workshop to Foxhill, Bath to run FREE family workshops this Saturday 17th November!
Who is it for: Children, Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers ' All the family!'
Team up with anyone from another generation & work with a professional animator to create your very own characters and bring them to life using the magic of stop motion animation to create you very own mini animated masterpiece.
Sessions: 10-12, 12.30-2.30 & 3-5pm
Where: The Hub, Mulberry Park, Bath
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This month we've the pleasure to introduce animator Angela Frankham who has been working with us as part of Made in Foxhill and who is running a free family animation workshop this Saturday [See details above]. So grab a cuppa and be inspired!
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Angela sharing her skills with a couple of future animators!
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Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself (and your artistic medium)
My name is Angela Frankham and I am a stop motion model maker and animator. After studying animation at Hull University I went on to work for one of the UK's leading animation model making companies Mackinnon and Saunders and later Aardman Animations in Bristol.
Stop motion is a film making technique in which objects are delicately moved between photographs. When a series of movements/photographs are played back in sequence the object/character appears to magically 'come to life'.
I became fascinated with miniature models and animations from a young age and still find the process magical to this day. I fell in love with animations such as Morph and Trapdoor when I was just tiny. My interest was consolidated with the arrival of Nick Park's Wallace and Gromit and Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas.
What project/s are you currently working on with Creativity Works?
I am currently working in Foxhill with Creativity Works on the community focused art project #madeinfoxhill in which i am liaising with the local community and offering a number of animation workshops to suit their needs. I also teamed up with a local company of artists and consultants, Culture Force, to bring additional ideas, support and knowledge to the project.
Who inspires you? (and why)
My greatest inspiration today has to be 'Laika Studios' who combine original animation techniques with ground breaking technology, pushing the art form to its limit and bringing us mesmerising films such as Coraline and Kubo and the two strings.
What's been your biggest professional, personal or creative achievement to date?
During my career in animation I have had the pleasure of working on some wonderful productions such as the extremely lovable Pingu, the Duracell Bunny and the Dairylea Cheese commercials. I am particularly proud of my achievement of working on Tim Burton's film Corpse Bride.
I set up The Animation Workshop back in 2001 to share my passion for animation and to introduce this amazing art form to children and help develop their creative talents. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the wonderfully artistic children and colleagues with whom I work.
What are your creative aspirations? (with or without Creativity Works)?
I always strive to develop my skills as an animator and model maker personally and with the workshops I offer. The equipment I provide continues to develop to compliment the requirements of the children that participate. I wish to create an environment which offers facilities to accommodate the children's ideas. (if the participant wants their character to perform a triple back flip I aim to offer a rig to achieve this)
What advice would you give an emerging socially engaged artist?
Any socially engaged artist must always listen to their audience and offer them a range of ways to access their art. It is equally important to focus on the process as well as the outcome and let the community and children lead the project.
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Made in Foxhill Celebration Day!
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Come and join us on Saturday 8th December for a special Christmas event to celebrate the 'Made in Foxhill' project and the opening of The Hub, the new community facility in Mulberry Park.
All the collaborators from the Made in Foxhill project will be there to celebrate and there will be food, drinks, stalls, art, performances and song! We hope you can join us.
When: Saturday 8 December, 10am-4pm. Free, all welcome!
Where: The Hub, Mulberry Way, Mulberry Park, Bath
More details about Made in Foxhill visit the website: www.madeinfoxhill.org |
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Photographer at Fair Saturday Bristol to fundraise for Creativity Works
On Saturday 24 November, the day after Black Friday, Bristol will become the first city in England to celebrate Fair Saturday. P
hotographer Gavin Maxwell, who will be showing his work at The Vestibules, College Green, has kindly offered to donate any profits made during the day to us - Creativity Works! Thank you Gavin!
What is Fair Saturday?
Fair Saturday is a global movement bringing together artists, performers and social causes to sing, shout, create and reflect on what it means to be a fair society, supporting social causes in the process.
Beginning in the city of Bilbao, Spain in 2014, Fair Saturday has now spread to 100+ cities worldwide.
More than 25 Fair Saturday events will be happening across Bristol over the weekend, and in a city proud of its creativity and activism, expect the unexpected. A choir singing in a museum, an orchestra in a night club, art on a plate at Spike Island.
Many events free, with any donations going to local Bristol charities and causes.
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Kingfishers, imposing architecture and sunlit paths are just a few of the things you'll discover at a new photography exhibition by the Keynsham Photowalkers at Temple Street Canteen in Keynsham.
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The exhibition, which
runs until
November 29th, encourages the viewer to discover another side to Keynsham and parts that are hidden or lesser known. It's inspiring to see
what
can be discovered within easy reach of the high street. The photographers, know as the Keynsham PhotoWalkers, are a small, friendly group of local residents who meet once a week to enjoy mindful photography in a busy world. They have been working with photographer Sally Collister from In the Picture.
When putting the exhibition together, which was a first for this group, Becky, one of the members commented:
"It was so interesting to see the process of putting on an exhibition - the decisions that needed to be made about where to have it, which images to use and where to place them."
Julie, another
member added:
"It is great to see our prints up on the wall, it gives us a real sense of pride."
If you get the chance to go long and see their work - do and maybe it'll inspire you to see what things you can discover beyond your own high street.
Location: Temple Street Canteen, Temple St, Keynsham, BS31 1EH
Exhibition opening times: Daily 8.30am - 4pm until 29th November.
This project is supported by Bath College Community Learning Team and Creativity Works
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Would you like to join the Keynsham PhotoWalkers?
Would you like to know more about your local community by exploring it through a camera lens in a friendly photography group?
Yes? Then why not join the Keynsham PhotoWalkers and experiment with digital photography. You'll learn how to edit your images, take part in walks and discussions in a friendly group, share social history stories and express yourself creatively. [The PhotoWalkers currently have an exhibition of some of their work on display at Temple Canteen, see article above].
Cameras, smartphones, tablets all welcome! Cameras can be provided. No experience necessary.
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 11am - 1pm
Venue: Community @ One, behind St. Johns Church, Keynsham
To Book contact: Bath College Adult Community Learning: 01225 328822
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B&NES Creative Wellbeing Courses & Groups
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Creative workshops & peer-led groups aimed at supporting your wellbeing through creativity.
These creative projects are an opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people, develop confidence and have fun whilst supporting your wellbeing.
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Print making for Christmas Workshops
Learn the magic of using stencils and a small roller to create multi-layered monoprints in this relaxed workshop.
Artist Sophie Rae, will show you how to mix vivid printing inks and apply them to paper/card, utilising hand cut stencils to create abstract patterns, marks or simple designs, which can be applied to a number of flat surfaces.
To see examples of the process and work you can make visit:
www.sophie-rae.com
. This workshop will allow you to play with the materials, which give satisfying, quick results. There is no printing press in sight, so it's easy to do on a small table at home. Suitable for complete beginners.
There will be the opportunity to print festive designs onto cards and gift tags, just in time for Christmas!
Venue:
The School Room at Bath Artist Studios,
The Old Malthouse, Comfortable Place,
Upper Bristol Road, Bath BA1 3AJ
Workshop dates:
Friday 30th November & Friday 7th December - 1.30 - 3.30PM
Cost: FREE
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Foxhill Happy Snappers
Do you live in Foxhill? Would you like to know more about your local community by exploring it through a camera lens in a friendly photography group?
You'll have the opportunity to experiment with digital photography, learn to edit your images, take part in walks and discussions whilst sharing social history stories. A chance to express yourself creatively.
Cameras, smartphones, tablets all welcome! Cameras can be provided. No experience necessary.
Times: 11am - 1pm
Dates: Thursdays
Venue: St. Andrews Community Church, Hawthorn Grove, Foxhill, Bath.
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Share your ideas
Are you looking for a creative course that we aren't running yet?
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Creativity Works Peer-led groups
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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. Bath: Tuesdays 1 - 4pm.
This is not a drop-in group but if you are interested in becoming a member please contact:
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With exciting plans for 2018-22 we are looking for Trustees with a strong background in finance, law, HR, IT, business development/social enterprise or property acquisition.
The Board meets six times per year and is a friendly and committed team.
To apply please send a letter outlining your interest and a CV to our Director, Oliver Jones: oliver@creativityworks.org.uk by 30th November 2018.
"It's good to know that I'm a part of something that has such a huge positive impact for the participants we work with" - Existing Trustee
Creativity Works is a registered charity no.1075812
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Other Opportunities & Events
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BFI Film Academy Camps for 16-19 year olds, Bristol.
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Applications are now open for the annual BFI Film Academy animation camp.
The six-day residential course will take place at Barton Camp, outside Bristol, from Saturday, 16
th until Friday 22
nd February, 2019.
The BFI Film Academy animation camp is open to all young people aged 16-19 with a passion for animation.
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Arts & Health South West Annual Conference 2018 Diversity and Inclusion in Arts & Health
Tickets are still available for the annual Arts Health South West Conference on the13th & 14th December in Bristol. For full details of the two day event - please download a copy of the programme and details on how to book a place HERE. There are 60 free places available for artists & health practitioners.
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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,
Twitter,
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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