CREATIVE NEIGHBOURHOODS

When Did Creative Neighbourhoods Begin?

In January 2021 (supported by Calderdale Council), we started working on our Creative Neighbourhoods Project with Calderdale groups who have not traditionally engaged with our festival. The project aimed to match each group with a locally reknown artist to enjoy creative workshops. The Project Manager was Todmorden based Clare Danon.

The Groups

1. Asylum Seekers & Refugees at St Augustine's Centre Halifax

St Augustine’s is a centre which works with people seeking asylum and those with Refugee status.

Working together, we provided the support, equipment, and materials needed for group creative workshops to take place online. Many of the participants who joined the Creative Group spoke little English, so encouragement, communication and support was of upmost importance.

This group was participant led and created a huge amount of diverse work. The makers explored ideas of community and creativity for wellbeing. They came together every fortnight for online sessions and shared updates with each other via Whatsapp.

Their creativity, ranging from photography, pottery, textiles, and woodwork, was displayed at our "Unhidden - Creative Neighbourhoods" micro-exhibition.

TALENT WITHOUT BORDERS ... An exhibition by St. Augustine's Centre Halifax showcased the work produced by 9 artists in the community, as part of our joint Creative Neighbourhoods project on Thursday 20 May 2021, 12pm-4pm

The Groups

2. Mothers Group at Children's Centre Todmorden (Halifax Opportunities Trust)
Our second community group got involved with photography, so we called upon Rebecca Lupton, a photographer and socially engaged artist based in Manchester, to give guidance, tips, and challenges. (www.rebeccalupton.co.uk)

All participating mums gained new skills to capture their imaginations through the camera. The sessions allowed for social opportunities, the chance to share life and mothering experiences, and to be creative.

“I was really impressed by the outcomes that the women managed to achieve from their phones and the disposable cameras we gave them. I've learned that online workshops offer a lot more possibilities for connecting people when they're isolated” Rebecca Lupton

The new mums displayed their fantastic photography at our "Unhidden - Creative Neighbourhoods" micro-exhibition.

The Groups

3. Young People from Calder Valley including Rastrick High School
We wanted to reach out to more young people who live in Calderdale and talk with them about the arts. We asked lots of questions to capture some meaningful insights into how we at Hebden Bridge Arts can better serve our young community and inspire each other.

We asked:
Do you think arts and culture is important?
Which artists to you like and admire?
Are you interested in podcasts, workshops, carnivals, volunteering?
What creative opportunities are available in your area?
What artistic and creative skills would you like to learn?

A collection of audio interviews and doodle notes shared their stories, voices, views, opinions, and thoughts about life here and now. Their interviews could be heard at the "Unhidden - Creative Neighbourhoods" micro-exhibition held at The Northlight Studio on 29, 30, 31 May 2021.

The Unhidden Exhibition

In May 2021 we showcased the 'Unhidden - Creative Neighbourhoods' micro exhibition on Bank Holiday weekend at Northlight Arts Studio. This exhibition offered a celebratory glimpse into the talent and ideas of the groups who participated in the Creative Neighbourhoods project.