Guest Article From – Tŷ Pawb
Throughout the last year we’ve continued to look for ways we can reach out into our local communities and help people feel connected in creative ways while our galleries remain closed to the public.
Last summer we delivered art packs to over 100 local families as part of our Arts At Home (link) project.
Now, as part of a brand new project, we’ve been delivering art packs once again, this time to Wrexham’s community of Portuguese elders.
Sharing stories
The project is being delivered with the help of emerging Portuguese artist Noemi Santos and experienced local artist Ticky Lowe, in collaboration with Wrexham’s Portuguese language speaking Community Interest Company, CLPW.
Together they are working with the group on a series of craft activities that can be completed from home.
Noemi explains: “This is the first of four art packs we’ll be developing together between now and April. The packs include creative materials such as sewing needles, acrylic paints and fabric pieces.
“For the first activity we’re inviting the group to share their stories with us by creating a collage of a meaningful object they have at home. We want to be able to share and learn with the group as much as we can.”
“Most importantly we want them to enjoy making it.”
‘We’ve been able to keep in touch with those most isolated’
Ticky Lowe said: “I’m really excited to be working with Noemi, Tŷ Pawb and the CLPW on this brilliant project.
“The first packs were delivered at the beginning of February, thanks to the help of Iolanda Viegas and the team from CLPW.
“We’ve set up an online group where participants can share their creations with each other. We’re really looking forward to seeing the outcomes and the stories they’ll be able to share with us over the coming months.”
Iolanda Viegas said: “Thank you so much for this opportunity to work with you, because of Covid 19 CLPW had to stop most activities with our group Bom Dia Cymru, but thanks to the support of the amazing Tŷ Pawb we’ve been able to keep in touch with those most isolated.
“The packs were well received by all and I can’t wait to see the results in weeks to come. Making arts from a distance it’s something we couldn’t be doing by ourselves due to lack of funding, so we are very grateful for the work Tŷ Pawb, Ticky and Noemi have done.”
Cllr Hugh Jones said: “In what has been a hugely challenging year for arts and cultural venues, Tŷ Pawb has continued to pull out all the stops in finding innovative ways to reach out to our local communities.
“Projects like this one and last year’s hugely well received Arts At Home programme have helped battle isolation through encouraging creativity and enabling people to come together and share positive experiences.”
“I wish every success to the group and look forward to seeing the project develop over the next few months.”
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