Ploughing on with positivity through Covid-19

2020 is clearly a year that will go down in history. The world has been rocked by a global pandemic and the toll on personal lives is huge and the effects will be felt for years to come.
We have been very busy doing what we can to continue to reach our audiences as we strongly believe that there is no better time for people to engage in arts activities - not least because of the numerous positive mental well being benefits.
Here are a few of the things that have kept us busy during this time - please do get in touch if you'd like any more information about any of this activity.

Free online resources during Covid-19

You may already have seen that we have created a new page on this site dedicated to free resources, downloads and 'how to' guides during Covid-19. Click on 'Free Resources During Covid-19'.
Please do have a look and scroll to see if there is something that interests you and feel free to share with your contacts.
This has meant we have been able to produce worksheets, videos and activities which we might not have done otherwise.

An example of an art activity on the RAW Free Resources area.

Art activity packs

We were delighted to be asked by our regular customer, Mossley Big Local to provide 100 art activity packs to residents of all ages. These are funded by Lottery Community Fund so there is no cost to families.
The bags include a biodegrade carrier, basic art materials and we have created bespoke creative activities worksheets for which we think most households will already have resources for. We also delivered a number of packs to Mattesly Court Housing 21 residential home for older people.
Feedback has been great and there are a few photos below.

Gary (L) and Alex deliver 100 art activity packs to Mossley Big Local

A sample bag contents

Alex and Gary deliver packs to Mattesely Court Housing 21 care home

Young people with their art activity packs

Our funder, Mossley Big Local

Big Local funder National Lottery Community Fund

Virtual Art Workshops

We are very lucky to live in age where technology can bring people together. During Covid-19 we have used video conferencing apps to be able to deliver virtual art sessions to a number of customers. We don't think you can beat face to face contact however this tech has enabled us to deliver demonstrations and facilitate sessions with a number of different groups - some which rely on art activity to keep the mind and bodies active. This has also meant we have developed planning strategies which we will continue after lockdown.

Virtual portrait drawing workshop at BID services, Birmingham

Above, wonderful self portraits at Bid Services, Birmingham

Rock painting workshop for Mossley Big Local

Above, just a few photos from recent weekly community art club sessions for Mossley Big Local

Above, some of the artwork created by young people attending the online #BigLinkUp sessions for  the Hub at Ashmore Park, Wolverhampton

Alex on WCR Radio every Monday

Alex has been doing regular weekly interviews with Chris Allen on Wolverhampton's WCR radio on Monday mornings, around 10-11am - talking about the importance of staying active creatively during Covid-19 and setting a weekly creative challenge. Click the logo below to visit their website which has listen live and listen again facilities.

Chris Allen (L) and Alex Vann