RAW Goes National!
Welcome to the latest newsletter of RAW (Real Arts Workshops).
This is our ‘Superhero’ issue as we seem to have done lots of workshops on that theme lately and, of course, most of our colleagues are Superheroes too! We’ve been working with some other arts practitioners recently, which we love: collaboration is one of our key values along with inclusion. We’re pleased to see recognition for one of our volunteers too. If you view the above PDF version of the newsletter in Adobe Reader, you will be able to click relevant web links. Please do get in touch with any queries / feedback on any of the articles or if you think we can work with your organisation on some uplifting and engaging creative projects. Thank you and stay safe, Alex, Gary and the team.
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A compilation of some of the stand out moments of 2020 for RAW (Real Arts Workshops).
We adapted our business in the face of a global pandemic and were able to reach many people with our (now largely online) workshops. We are grateful that our staff and volunteers remained fit and well and hope that the Arts will be recognised as one of the heroes of 2020 in terms of people's sense of wellbeing. It has been so for us. We wish all our Facebook followers a Happy New Year and hope that 2021 is a year of sustained growth for everyone. Now, so long 2020! We were pleased to be commissioned by City of Wolverhampton Council to deliver innovative art sessions over October Half Term to young people aged 10-16 who live in the city as part of the #WVVirtualSquad offer. These had to be run differently from our Summer sessions, when face to face sessions were possible, because of the second national lockdown. Having already delivered many virtual art session to adults and to Deaf groups using the video conference apps: Zoom and MS Teams, and organising delivery of individual ‘art packs’ it was a case of using that experience to put a programme of Arts activity and learning materials together that not only encouraged fun but also stretched abilities and knowledge. As well as daytime activities aimed at younger children, we delivered evening sessions of more advanced art techniques for teenagers and made use of the ‘RAW CAM’ – a separate ‘spotlighted’ device aimed at an art demonstration piece. 'Zoom' screen shots As you can see, the quality of work the young people created is amazing. Well done! Here's what the young people said: Thank you for all your hard work and effort . I have really enjoyed this and will definitely be back to join you guys again !!!! I had a wonderful half term being part if Real art club x. Thanks again to you all!!!! 🎃🤗🤗🤗 Please find the first edition of our newsletter below. It's been a busy old time at RAW HQ and we plan to produce these newsletters regularly to keep you informed about what we are doing and how you might be able to access our service.
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-19You 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. Art activity packsWe 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. Virtual Art WorkshopsWe 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. Above, wonderful self portraits at Bid Services, Birmingham 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 MondayAlex 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.
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AuthorReal Arts Workshops is an independent arts company based in the Black Country, providing bespoke workshops for various organisations and groups. Archives
August 2024
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