We have recently started a Network of Artists who deliver community art in the Border area of NE England and SE Scotland.
This blog will introduce some of these artists and their work, and the ways in which we try to resource the Network.
Think Make Grow
"Really helpful :)"
"Good choice of trainers and great presentation"
Just some of the comments from feedback from our recent training event, held at "The Workshop", Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, on 2nd July
Steve and Clare from "AccessArt" in Dumfries gave an excellent insight into the "how" of working with people with learning disabilities, drawing on their own good practice and experience.
From a general introduction to the pleasures and pitfalls Steve lead us through some role play and on into some foccused case studies, particularly looking at working with people who have autism or aspurges syndrome.
As several of our artists have been working with learning disabled people on a large project recently, and have varying levels of experience and training, this workshop was a real confidence booster, equipping us with some of the skills we need to work in this area.
Later in the year,on 13th September, some of the fruits of this work will be on display at the Partnership Arts Festival, at Lanark Lodge in Duns. This annual event provides opportunities for people to access art activity whatever their ability, and it particularly showcases work produced by learning disabled people and other community groups from both sides of the Border.
The first of our training events was attended by an enthusiastic group who wanted to gather and share ideas on Networking and Marketing.
Eddie Galvin, from N E Arts led an inspirational, practical and very usable session on Networking – "Hello…I'm Eddie".
Starting from our conceptions of "networking" he led us on a journey of stories, shared experiences, ideas that work and useful practice.
A brief consideration of the difference between "networking" and "marketing" led into an ideas session on marketing materials and their distribution led by Wendy Ward. Once again some simple yet effective ideas were shared by the group, which have already led to some Network artists producing new marketing materials based on some of the ideas gained on the day.
The two hour session was over too quickly!
The venue for the second Professional Development workshop will be "The Workshop", 60-62 Main Street, Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed. This event, which runs from 10.00 to 12.00 on 2nd July will be on the theme: "Working with People with Disabilities/Managing Challenging Behaviour" and will be led by Access Arts of Dumfries.
The venue for the "Networking and Marketing" Workshop is the William Elder Building, Castlegate, Berwick-upon-Tweed…sorry the info is a bit late…family holiday!
Dates have now been finalised for two professional development events:
Tuesday 3rd June
10.00 to 12.00
"Networking and Marketing".
Venue to be confirmed
Wednesday 2nd July
time and venue to be confirmed.
"Using Arts with People with Disabilities".
This training will be delivered by staff and service users from Access Art, who are based in Dumfries.
Members of the AN Network from the North East are welcomed to attend at no cost; AN Network members from further afield will need to pay a nominal charge.
Contact: [email protected] for further information or to book.
