Freshly fledged artists from a Derbyshire housing trust project aimed at developing confidence and life skills will be showing off their work for the first time this bank holiday.
Participants in the ‘Growing Lives’ project, run by Derventio Housing Trust, have worked together to produce an eye-catching banner that will be one of the exhibits at the Belper Arts Trail on May 1 and 2.
Based in Cotmanhay, Growing Lives helps residents of Derventio’s housing, as well as people referred to its service to help with their recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Running every weekday, it offers a range of activities such as craft and woodwork to help give people valuable skills to get back on their feet.
The ‘Parade of Banners’ project was the final part of a three-year scheme funded by Arts Council England. It was aimed at encouraging people to get involved in art, as well as breaking down stereotypes by revealing some of the hidden complexities of people who have faced challenges such as homelessness.
As well as helping people learn new practical skills, the idea behind the project was also to reduce the effects of loneliness and isolation by improving wellbeing with an enjoyable group activity. Two renowned artists were involved with the project: textiles specialist Laura McCafferty who worked with Growing Lives participants to create the finished piece, and renowned photographer Jon Legge who documented the project’s journey.
Jackie Carpenter, assistant director of strategy for Derventio Housing Trust, said: “A lot of people who come to Growing Lives don’t think that art is for them. They don’t think they could ever become artists. They may think art is intimidating, and going into a gallery is not something that is accessible to them.
“This project was aimed at changing all that, challenging those preconceptions and breaking down barriers to creativity. It’s been a great success. It was very important to us to provide a high-quality experience so we’re very grateful to have had Laura and Jon come along and provide their services.
“We’d like to urge members of the public to come along and view the banner that our Growing Lives team has made, as well as all the other artworks in this year’s Belper Arts Trail.”
The finished banner made by members of Growing Lives draws on the heritage of the Derbyshire area. Made using a variety of techniques such as block printing and embroidery, it was inspired by the team’s visit to the People’s History Museum in Manchester, which is home to the world’s largest collection of trades union and political banners.
As well as being shown in Belper over the May bank holiday, it is also set to be on display at the Wirksworth Festival later this year.
The Belper Arts Trail features 125 makers and artists showing their work in 52 venues across the town. The two-day event also includes live music and a children’s book festival.
Photo shows: (left to right): Staff and participants in the Parade of Banners project: Ian, Sparky, Cheryl, Gaz, Sonny and Gaz
Ends/
For more information, contact Lucy Stephens at Penguin PR on 0771 983 9446 or email [email protected].
