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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
As this months' newsletter is bursting with features, opportunities and information, the last thing you want to do is to read a verbose and oblique blog from me. 'No' I hear you cry, 'give us more of your circumlocutory ramblings!' Well, that's a lovely sentiment, but on this occasion, I think it is best just to highlight some of the features of this blockbuster edition.
We have some great opportunities for artists this month, not only through co|Create and our Speed Networking event, but also an opportunity to be one of our Take-Over Artists for this year's Creative Wellbeing Challenge, and a call-out for Dance Artists for our project, Made In Foxhill. Ourselves and our consortium partner Bath Dance, are on the look-out for innovative and intriguing ideas to engage the distinctive communities in Foxhill, especially Elders and families. We are also very interested to hear from artists who would be interested in joining our board as a trustee.
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There are, as always, a number of different
workshops, project and groups to be involved with, with a focus on creativity and wellbeing. Most notably, two of our distinguished peer-led groups,
Writing Space and Creative Perspectives are looking for new members. I know from experience, these two groups are incredibly supportive, highly creative and empowering groups to be involved with, and I highly recommend joining if you are interested. In addition,
I thoroughly recommend reading Mike's brilliant piece entitled 'Cup, a letter to an object' as well.
I would also point you to our regular feature,
'Artist's Profile', this month featuring
Colin Higginson who is working with us on our
Engaging Libraries project in Somerset. Colin is working alongside a group of adults with learning difficulties, re-designing the spaces in
Bridgewater Library to make them more accessible and inclusive. Together, they are creating an exhibition that will showcase some of their ideas.
This exhibition will be opening on 12th July at 3pm and will continue until the end of the month. We have also been working in
Street Library, and the artist there,
Luke Palmer, who was featured in our newsletter last month, will be displaying their
exhibition from 13th July 2.30pm onwards. Please do go and have a look as we welcome all comments and feedback as part of the process.
I said it would be brief, and I am a man of my word.
Enjoy!, and as ever, if you have any creative ideas or comments, please do get in touch with us.
Director, Creativity Works
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Date: Wednesday 27th June 6-8pm
Venue: Lonsdale Room, BRLSI, Queen's Square, Bath, BA1 1BA
Cost: £5 (booking essential)
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 to discuss ideas and build new collaborations.
We will be awarding £50 to the most exciting idea/collaboration that arises from the evening, to enable future meetings and creative development.
We will engage in a speed-dating type exercise, so you will have the opportunity to talk to as many people as possible over a drink. This is an enjoyable, relaxed and focused way of staying connected, exchanging ideas, and building your network of support and inspiration.
Buy your ticket today!
 
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Artist Call-Out
Bath Dance are working with Creativity Works and a consortium of partners to deliver 'Made in Foxhill ' - an exciting and enriching community led arts engagement programme with residents in Foxhill, Bath.
We are already working with Urban Playground to deliver and develop parkour performance skills and would like to hear from local dance and movement artists with expertise in facilitating community creativity.
The process is as important as the product; we want to embed a creative spark, nurture skills and ambition and leave a positive, confident and creative community legacy.
We are interested in different approaches and ideas to work with people who may not have prior dance experience. You may want to revisit and reinvent the school disco experience, work with parents and toddlers, make dance games, start a Foxhill-billies barn dance group, offer some dance and wellbeing or social dance....
We'd love to hear from you if you have something to offer and at this stage we're particularly interested in ideas that will appeal to groups of older people, teenagers and families.
Fee:
£80 per two hour session inclusive (or £40 per hour etc), plus £100 planning fee with sessions to run until October 2018.
To apply:
Please send your cv including insurance & DBS details to
katy@bathdance.net
with a letter telling us about your experience of working with different communities and an outline of what you would like to offer. More information on Made in Foxhill can be found at
http://www.madeinfoxhill.org/
Deadline: 12 noon Thursday 5 July
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Do you live in Foxhill and want to get involved? We are looking for creatives, people with a story and anyone who wants to get involved in helping to shape this project. For more info contact Hannah madeinfoxhill@gmail.com
Made in Foxhill is a new arts project created with the residents of Foxhill.
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Foxhill Photography project
Do you live in Foxhill or Combe Down?
Would you like to:
- Know more about your local community by exploring it through a lens?
- Experiment with digital photography
- Share stories about the social history of Foxhill/Combe Down
- Learn new skills and creative ways to express yourself
- Take part in a short walks and discussions
Then why not join our Foxhill Photography Project as part of Made in Foxhill!
No previous experience necessary.
These creative sessions are facilitated by a professional photographer
Sally Collister and are aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing for residents of Foxhill/Combe Down.
When: Thursdays from 3rd May 1pm - 3pm for 12 weeks - Still time to join!
Where: Foxhill Community Centre
What to Bring: A camera / smartphone / tablet if you can
Cost: Free
To register:
Contact Max either via email: outreach2@Bathmind.org.uk or give him a call on 01225 316199
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B&NES Creative Wellbeing Courses & Groups
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| A new series of creative workshops aimed at supporting your wellbeing through creativity |
Spring into Sculpture
Have you always wanted to have a go at creating 3D art?
Now's your chance! Come and learn how to make models, reliefs and assemblages from clay, card and found objects with artist Helen Grant on this 6 week course.
We'll be covering the basic techniques of how to make three dimensional art. Materials provided.
When: Tuesdays -
26th
June, 3rd
, 10th
, 17th
July [Started on 5th June - Places still available]
Where:
Odd Down Community Centre, Bath
Time: 1.30 - 3.30pm
Cost:
£2 per session
These sessions are part of the weekly Get Creative group. To find out more about the artist running this visit her website here - Helen Grant
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Photography while you walk - Keynsham
Capture the stories of Keynsham through a lens
Do you live in Keynsham? Are you interested in Photography?
Join us for a 6 week
(with the possibility of continuing) participatory photography project to share your own experience of living in Keynsham through photographs.
Working with professional photographer
Sally Collister, we will look at how to share stories through images and captions, and each participant will produce a final photo story.
Learn some basic composition techniques and photography skills, make visual stories, discuss social history.
When: Wednesdays 11 - 1pm Started 6 June - Places still available.
Dates: 6, 13, 20, 27 June, 4, 11 July
Where: One Community Trust, St.John's Church
Supported by Bath Mind.
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*NEW* Happiness and Resilience Arts - Capturing the Good Stuff
Cultivating a positive mind through creativity.
Would you like to create some positive change? Explore methods of coping better with stress and challenge. Explore positive thinking patterns that help shift mood. Use growth mind-set to support personal goals. Increase energy and well-being. Create a tool-kit to take away
We are starting a new course in July based on positive psychology strategies called 'Happiness and Resilience Arts - Capturing the Good Stuff' with artist Helen Luff.
Dates: Mondays
9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th July, 6th, 13th August. 10am - 12 noon
Venue: Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath BA1 1XE
To book: contact the Wellbeing College 01225 831820
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Other News
Share your ideas
Are you looking for a creative course that we aren't running yet?
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Peer-Led Creative Wellbeing Groups
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Join Creative Perspectives and expand your creativity.
The peer-led group are keen to welcome new members
Creative Perspectives is a peer-led visual arts group in Bath. We offer an opportunity to meet others, learn and share creative ideas and skills, gain confidence in a safe and friendly environment and contribute to the planning and continuation of the group.
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.
There is no set tuition but a volunteer artist is available to assist when needed and all group members have a wide variety of skills and experience in many different mediums.
The group meet on Friday afternoons in central Bath.
This is not a drop-in group but if you are interested in becoming a member please contact: Philippa@creativityworks.org.uk - 01761 438852
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Join 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:
Philippa@creativityworks.org.uk - 01761 438852
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Mike, a Writing Spaces Participant, has submitted a piece of writing for us to enjoy.
Cup, a letter to an object.
Dear Cup,
As I promised in our surprise meeting in the Café a few weeks ago, here is some news about me and some that you might find interesting. I realise this might come as a shock to you so I am writing this slowly as I know you can't read fast. I hope you can handle it.
Yes, we cups are in constant use and sometimes treated as mugs. I enclose a mugshot of our meeting for you. I was reading an article in a newspaper recently from one who said he was a mug in the Government. He reminded me that we cups can have very high profile jobs in Parliament as everyone in the Commons has to address the Speaker.
..continues.
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Help 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). I
f you would like to buy more than 5 copies, please contact us directly to combine p&p costs.
Please allow 14 days for delivery. THANK YOU for your support.
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Artist Call out: Be one of our 'Take-over' Artists this August.
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We are looking for artists who'd like to do a social media 'Take over' as part of our Creative Summer Wellbeing Challenge.
The challenge, which runs throughout August, is a free programme of daily creative activities that are linked to the 5 ways to wellbeing. As a 'Take Over Artist' you'll have a great opportunity to share your work and practice with a wide audience and inspire them to join in and explore their own wellbeing through creativity.
We are looking for 8 artists to be involved each taking over one of our social media channels for a day in August.
Please get in touch if you are interested in being one of our take over artists - We'd love to hear from you - so drop an email to morwhenna@creativityworks.org.uk by Wednesday 20 June telling us a bit about yourself and your artistic practice. If you like to be involved in another way - please get in touch!
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Ideas?
We are keen to get as many people as possible taking part in the Creative Summer Wellbeing Challeng this August and we want to hear from you. What are YOUR ideas of how to Connect, Keep Learning, Be Active, Give and Take Notice creatively? Drop us an email morwhenna@creativityworks.org.uk with your thoughts and a chance for them to be featured as part of the challenge.
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| The Kiosk Project. Colin Higginson is on the left in this picture. |
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Each month we'll be shining the spotlight on an artist that we are currently working with. This month, we've the pleasure to introduce artist Colin Higginson. G
rab a cuppa and be inspired ;-)
Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself (and your artistic medium)
I am an artist based at Spike Island studios in Bristol. My art practice can be described as sculptural installation incorporating a range of materials and approaches from model making, cast objects, photography and film.
My work is motivated by an ongoing interest in archaeology, language, our relationship to the natural environment and Architecture.
I make work for exhibition, public commissions and work with a range of groups and individuals. I have been collaborating with artist Marcus Jefferies over the last six years, making large scale artworks. We currently have a Primary Capital Education Programme (PCEP) Art Commission for Merchants' Ventures Academy in Bristol. This commission involves designing and creating a range of external artworks, floor designs, entrance way, fencing, outside teaching areas and sculpture. It is our biggest commission to date which is both exciting and challenging.
I am founder and director of Art in Motion (AIM). An arts organisation that provides opportunities for artists with learning difficulties to engage within the contemporary arts. I am passionate about using the arts to support others to reach their potential, working with the artists in AIM is fun, rewarding and inspiring.
What project/s are you currently working on with Creativity Works?
I am currently working at Bridgwater Library as part of the Somerset Engaging Libraries project. Working with a group of adults with learning disabilities using creative and imaginative ways to re-imagine the library, its design, use and importantly how the library may better meet the needs for people with disabilities.
Being someone who is passionate about libraries this is an exciting project to be involved in. Libraries are such important spaces and are in the process of having to adapt to survive.
There will be an exhibition at the end of the project which will hopefully inspire curiosity, spark debate and create conversation.
Who inspires you? (and why)
My inspiration comes from many different sources. As an artist I try to be as observant and remain as curious as possible.
I am lucky to be part of a large artist community at Spike Island so get to see the creative process of other artists and get insight into the development of their work.
The artists I support at AIM are always an inspiration for there directness and honest approach to making their artwork.
There are is also an endless list of artists that inspire me but the most currently inspiring is Sarah Sze.
What book or exhibition has inspired you recently?
I am constantly reading and recent inspirational books are; 'Making' by Tim Ingold, 'On longing' by Susan Stewart and 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari.
There have been three exhibitions that have had an influence on my work. Going back as far as 2015 I saw an exhibition of work by Sarah Sze at the Victoria Miro in London which I am still digesting.
More locally at Spike Island Hedwig Houben: Others and I and Iman Issa: Material (2017)
What's been your biggest professional, personal or creative achievement to date?
Setting up the arts organisation Art in Motion has been a massive and rewarding achievement. In our first year of operating I helped organise a European art exchange programme. This involved taking artists with learning difficulties abroad to both Madrid and Cork. Some of the artists had never even been on an airplane.
A personal achievement has been walking across the Austrian Alps from East to West, difficult, challenging, inspiring and beautiful.
What are your creative aspirations? (with or without Creativity Works)?
With the artists on the Engaging Libraries project, to create a vibrant, inspiring and informative display in the library that we will all be proud of. Also,
I have a solo show at Test Space at Spike Island in July, so my own creative focus is on creating the work for this show.
What advice would you give an emerging socially engaged artist?
- Trust in the creative process
- Be prepared to shift direction if things aren't going how you planned
- Listen and learn from those you are working with and enjoy the collaborative process.
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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 31st May 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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FreshArt@ FAB18 - Exhibition and Create Everyday workshops
FreshArt@ Bath 2018 created a collaborative multimedia exhibition inspired by the collections of the Holburne, No. 1 Royal Crescent and the American Museums in Bath. These artworks were recently on show at Bath Artists' Studios and will now be going to brighten up the walls at the RUH.
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This years bright and bold collection of work was created over the period of 12 weeks in participation with artist Barbara Disney and exhibited for 2 weeks during Fringe Arts Bath 2018.
Creativity Works also ran 10 successful taster workshops engaging over 80 people in creative wellbeing activities.
Fresh Art@ promotes positive wellbeing through creativity. An innovative partnership project with Creativity Works, AWP, Holburne Museum, No 1 Museum, the American Museum and Virgin Care involving service users,
volunteers and local artists.
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photo by Peter Stone
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Sophie, Mixed Media
"I like doing detailed things. I have to have something that keeps me focused"
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Sarah, Mixed Media
"Butterflies" |
photos by Morwhenna Woolcock
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Collaborative Quilts - Fresh Art participants working with Artist Barbara Disney.
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From doodling to printmaking there was a real mix of creativity going on at Bath Artists Studio during FAB
To celebrate arts and wellbeing during Fringe Arts Bath 2018 Creativity Works teamed up with local artists to offer the Create Everyday series of workshops. These free creative workshops are inspired by the 5 Ways to Wellbeing (Connect, Keep Learning, Be Active, Give and Take Notice). This stimulating programme included creative writing, printmaking, ceramics, visual arts and Connect 5 training.
Philippa Forsey, Creative Wellbeing Manager at Creativity Works said:
"We are proud to be part of Fringe Arts Bath for a fifth year with the Fresh Arts exhibition and really enjoyed welcoming local people to the free creative workshops every morning of the exhibition."
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Images from the Cyanotype Workshop. [Philippa Forsey]
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"Brilliant morning printmaking, the tutor was fantastic and I really enjoyed learning a new creative skill"
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"Cyanotype printing workshop - Fantastic Fun!"
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Mapping the Inner World: An Exhibition by Beverley Ferguson
Detail from Tree and Moon |
Blackbird in Pine.
Photos Beverley Ferguson
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C. of Life |
Come and see the inspiring work of Textile & Mixed - Media Artist Beverley Ferguson at her first solo show.
"Using paper medical notes in my work and as starting points I create a visual narrative for my experiences in the mental health system. I respond to and explore through a variety of textures: paper, textiles, sound and mixed media the notion of 'sections.' How it feels to be separated and cut off from the outside world by illness informs much of my work. It is also a celebration of life as renewal and vitality return. These changing patterns are expressed by my use of design, form, colour and rhythm. The creative process enables me to begin to build bridges, making a map for my inner world." Beverley Ferguson.
Thursday 5th July - Wednesday 11th 12.00 - 5.00pm
Thursday 5th July 6 - 8.00pm: Open Evening
Friday 6th July 12.30 - 1.30pm: 'In Conversation'
Beverley Ferguson and Fay Stevens. Fay is an academic, curator, artist and writer.
ROPER GALLERY
Bath Artists Studios
The Old Malt House, Comfortable Place
Upper Bristol Rd BA1 3AJ
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Free mental Health Training in B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire
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Following on from the successful Connect 5 session at Bath Artists Studios with Philippa from Creativity Works and Ralph from St. Mungo's as part of FAB, we are now pleased to let you know about future dates organised by Public Health.
What is Connect 5?
The Connect 5 Programme is an accessible, evidenced based training that is relevant to the whole of the public facing workforce. It provides participants with skills and competencies that build confidence in having conversations about mental health and wellbeing. It presents tools to empower others to take proactive steps to build resilience and look after themselves. Connect 5 takes the position that we don't need to be mental health specialists to support those who are experiencing emotional and mental health problems.
The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health and courses are delivered by a range of local accredited trainers. It is a modular course with up to 3 sessions available, how many sessions you cover will depend on your role.
Connect 5 complements other training including Making Every Contact Count (MECC).
For the full list of dates and additional information about the training:
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Making Every Contact Count (MECC) Training
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is about supporting people to make the most of every opportunity they have with the millions of people they come into contact with every day. Everyone who interacts with the public is able to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of the population by encouraging and supporting individuals to change
behaviours that may be damaging to their health. Telling people what to do is not the most effective way to help them change. MECC is a skills-based training opportunity that encourages a different way of working and interacting to address their health and wellbeing.
Training includes:
- Two half day sessions where you will improve your skills and confidence in delivering very brief interventions to encourage long term behaviour change.
- You will have the opportunity to reflect on your practice and how you can make a difference every day.
- You must complete the MECC e-learning between the two sessions.
- Training outcomes...
- Improved confidence in delivering very brief interventions.
- Better awareness of how and when to use opportunities to talk to people about their health and wellbeing.
- Be able to use effective language to get people thinking about their choices and support a behaviour change plan.
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The Academy of Business - a new partnership between Bath College and local businesses.
This new venture will be designed with employers to meet the skills shortages faced by the industry. Employers and the college will come together to co-develop the talent of the future through a variety of means. There are many ways in which you can work with us to develop this partnership; we will be bringing together all those interested in being part of the Academy of Business to develop these ideas.
For the full detail of this new collaboration please see the following documents:
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Help shape Perinatal Mental Health Services
Would you like to inform new proposals for
Specialist Community Perinatal Mental Health Services
in BANES, Swindon & Wiltshire . Afternoon tea and a crèche will be provided. Full details please click here> Perinatal Service User Engagement Events.
Dates:
Thursday 14 June 2018 2.00 - 4.00 pm Rose and Crown Hotel, Harnham Road, Salisbury, SP2 8JQ
Friday 15 June 2018 2.00 - 4.00 pm Hilton Hotel, Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BJ
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Mental health review workshops
This is a chance for you to have a say on the shape of Mental Health services that will be delivered in B&NES in the future.
Please come to a workshop and share your views
If you use community mental health services, care for someone who uses community mental health services, deliver a mental health service, have views and experiences you want to share, or simply have an interest, please come along to our workshops and have your say.
Workshops will be held on the following dates at Keynsham Community Space, 5 Temple St, BS31 1HA
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How can we support people who use mental health services to access meaningful occupation, including employment, training and education?
Wednesday 13 June, 1.30-5.00pm
How can we support people who are experiencing acute mental health crisis and prevent people's needs from escalating to this point?
Monday 18 June, 6.30-8.30pm
Workshop drop-in for anyone who can't make the 5 or 13 June workshops.
Monday 18 June, 6.30-8.30pm
If you have any question about the workshops or the review, please email
banes.yourvoice@nhs.net
or call 01225 831 800 and ask for the Communications and Engagement Team.
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Summer Reading Challenge: Your library needs you!
Have you got a couple of spare hours to help support your local library?
This summer, Somerset Libraries are looking for help from local artists to help run workshops for their flagship children's event, the Summer Reading Challenge.
Around 7,000 children take part in the Summer Reading Challenge in Somerset every year. It is a free scheme helping to promote reading for pleasure and the theme this year is the Beano in celebration of 80 years of the comic. We would love to put on creative workshops to encourage children to come into the library, especially around comic drawing, but need help to do so.
If you think you could help us by running one or two workshops, we would love to hear from you. Unfortunately we do not have a budget to pay for workshops but we can cover travel expenses.
The Summer Reading Challenge runs from the 14th July - 8th September.
Alternatively if you do not have any free time, we are also very in need of craft materials. If you have any old craft materials you'd be able to donate, they would be gratefully received.
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Bath City Farm are looking for a Mosaic Artist
Do you work with Mosaic and have time to spare? We are a community craft group looking to complete three mosaic panels for permanent outdoor display on our main building at Bath City Farm. We would love some help and advice from an experienced mosaic artist to share their knowledge and expertise to learn more about this ancient craft skill.
If you think you might be able to help us please contact Alexia
email:alexia@bathcityfarm.org.uk
Tel: 01225 481269
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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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