Art can be a powerful medium especially when it is harnessed to tackle stigmas and myths.
And in Huddersfield a project called Create Space is doing just to enhance people’s awareness of mental health and it stages about five workshops a week.
It was nominated by Scarlette Homeshaw, who said: “Although newly opened in January this year, Create Space has already proven to be a fantastic resource for the local community. This diverse and ever evolving space houses one-off workshops, creative drop-ins and short courses that explore all manner of media and creative learning approaches.”
Based in the Packhorse Centre close to the mental health charity Support to Recovery (S2R), Create Space is an open and welcoming venue providing mental health and wellbeing information and letting people know about appropriate services. Create Space’ is S2R’s activity hub, bringing together interactive initiatives from all of its key projects.
It plays an invaluable role in how S2R now reaches the community, keeping an open dialogue about mental wellbeing and helping to reduce stigma.
Workshops staged in just two months include textiles for beginners, willow weaving, Viking knitting (weaving jewellery), drawing for beginners and horticulture. Community groups and local artists can also showcase their work throughout the space which can take up to three exhibitions at any one time.
Scarlette added: “Create Space is designed to be a safe and inclusive environment with an emphasis on reducing social anxiety and feelings of isolation by endeavouring to build confidence and resilience through creatively diverse and stimulating activities.”
Between February 2015 and February 2016 Create Space is offering six people the chance to be its resident artist for one month each and will spend at least 18 hours per week there making new work, talking to the public about their art while providing information about S2R and its projects.
The Create Space exhibition schedule is now full through to the end of July ranging from university students to famous Huddersfield inventor Wilf Lunn.
Wish us luck!!!
The winner will be revealed at the glittering awards night at the John Smith’s Stadium on Wednesday 3rd June 2015.
This award is sponsored by First.
It said: "Huddersfield is built on a history of art and creative talent with the focus now on high tech working and advanced engineering. Art, design and creativity help shape our future and this applies to all areas across our communities including our local bus services."
"Art and creativity are undoubtable an important part of our future and First would like to wish good luck to everyone shortlisted for the First Bus Arts Award."