2024 marked a significant milestone – our 30th anniversary! Last month we celebrated with a vibrant and memorable celebration at The Boardwalk. The event was a true testament to the creativity and community spirit that has driven our organisation over the past three decades.
The Boardwalk was transformed into a dynamic hub of artistic expression, showcasing the incredible talents of past and present participants. The building was adorned with artwork, carefully curated to reflect the diversity and depth of creativity that Impact Arts has nurtured over the years. Every corner of the venue was alive with colour and inspiration, as visitors explored the rich array of visual art on display.
But the celebration was far from just a static exhibition. We wanted this milestone to be as interactive and engaging as possible, embodying the essence of what Impact Arts stands for. Attendees were invited to participate in a variety of hands-on art activities, allowing them to tap into their own creativity and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere.
In addition to the visual art, the event featured a series of film screenings, highlighting key moments, projects, and the incredible impact we’ve had on communities across Scotland. These films brought to life the stories of those who have been part of our journey, reminding us all of the power of art to transform lives.
An immersive experiences of the day was the silent disco sound works. With headphones on, guests danced their way through specially curated soundscapes, blending music, spoken word, and ambient sounds in an innovative celebration of art and community.
The celebration also honoured the voices of those who have shaped Impact Arts over the years. Animated stories of past participants were screened, offering a poignant and inspiring look at the personal journeys that have been intertwined with our organisation. These stories resonated deeply with everyone present, underscoring the lasting influence of our work.
Drag performances from CJ Banks, DizzyDoll and Lil King Trash Mouth, brought glamour, excitement, and a powerful message of inclusivity. The performances were a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the joy of self-expression—values that are at the core of Impact Arts’ mission.
Our 30th birthday celebration was not just a look back at our past, but of our ongoing commitment to fostering creativity, community, and positive change. We are immensely grateful to everyone who joined us at The Boardwalk and to all who have supported us over the past 30 years. As we look to the future, we are more inspired than ever to continue our work, empowering individuals and communities through the transformative power of art.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 30 years of creativity, connection, and impact!
It’s been 30 years since Impact Arts was founded. Over those years, many individuals have found something here to take away with them in to the future.
We interviewed some of our past participants on how Impact Arts has impacted them, and we would love to share their stories with you.
On 22 August, the Impact Arts team will be raising a glass to three decades of life-changing work, as we prepare to mark our 30th anniversary.
Since Impact Arts was established by Susan Aktemel in 1994, we have embarked on a mission to tackle social inequality using creativity and art, improving the lives of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people in communities all over the country. Over the years we have been behind hundreds of projects, from large-scale public art to music projects with the likes of Amy Macdonald and Hector Bizerk, live theatre to pop-up cafes, and interior design workshops to creative learning with those in the criminal justice system. Since 1994 more than 300,000 people have been engaged in or supported by our work, with projects winning numerous awards and accolades.
Early projects included the creation of the Woodlands Mosaic Bollards in Glasgow’s West End in 1997, which continue to bring colour and vibrancy to the area today. Other community artworks have included the Linkes Mosaic Mural in Knightswood, first created in 2005, and local young people creating stained glass windows to brighten the Pineview Housing Association homes in Drumchapel.
In 2003 Impact Arts launched Fab Pad, which supported hundreds of people at risk of or experiencing homelessness to sustain their tenancies through creative interior design workshops. The project was delivered right across central Scotland, including at one point taking over a whole floor of the Red Road flats in North Glasgow with a “showroom” and workshop, helping many tenants to transform their homes on a budget while learning valuable new skills. The project ran until 2015, and continues today as Make It Your Own, supporting vulnerable tenants to help transform their home lives.
Today Impact Arts continues to push boundaries with its life-changing work from our bases in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Irvine. We continues to welcome older communities struggling with social isolation, improving the wellbeing and attainment of children via art therapy, and empowering teens and young adults through employability programmes such as Creative Pathways, and CashBack to the Future, which is currently running with groups in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and North Ayrshire.
Since 2023 we have been based at The Boardwalk in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City, transforming the building into a purpose-built creative and accessible events venue, boasting a 180-capacity theatre, seven studios and meetings rooms capable of hosting everything from dance rehearsals and creative workshops to corporate events and conferences. The Boardwalk is proving a popular choice for businesses and public bodies looking to support the broad work of Impact Arts when booking event space.
As well as being home to many of Impact Arts’s own projects, The Boardwalk also hosts many of the country’s leading creative organisations, from permanent theatrical tenants like Solar Bear and Birds of Paradise, to dance studios brought to life by the likes of S-MB Company and The Work Room, and transformative creative engagement charities like Playlist for Life and Inspiring Scotland.
On 22 August The Boardwalk will host a special 30th anniversary celebration, with stakeholders, former participants, and friends invited to relive highlights from our past projects and see recent work by a range of groups including some of the work created as part of this year’s Cashback Summer programmes.
Today we are launching a call our for those who have been impacted by our work over the past 30 years and been part of one of our projects, to get in touch and share their stories which we will incorporate in our August celebrations. You can fill in a online form or email [email protected]
Fiona Doring, Chief Executive Officer of Impact Arts, said: “Impact Arts was born out of the recognition that taking part in arts and creative activities can be life changing. For 30 years we have built on this philosophy to support the people and communities across Scotland, who are least likely to have access to the arts, to tackle the big issues preventing them from achieving their potential.
Impact Arts has been at the heart of positive change for thousands of people’s lives and as we turn 30, we are taking time to reflect upon and celebrate the stories of all of these individual people for whom engaging in arts projects has been transformational.”
An extraordinary display of generosity and creativity as Glasgow Charity Fashion Show successfully raised over £47,000 for Impact Arts. This remarkable achievement was the result of a series of innovative fundraising events by the students, culminating in a spectacular fashion show that captivated the hearts and minds of all attendees.
Throughout the past year, Glasgow Charity Fashion orchestrated a diverse range of fundraising activities, each one contributing to the impressive total. From cake sales and pub quizzes, to sponsored swims, and taking part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk.
The highlight of the fundraising efforts was undoubtedly the fashion show, held at Glasgow’s iconic venue, The Old Fruitmarket. The event featured an eclectic mix of designs from both emerging and established designers, all of whom volunteered their time and talents. Showcasing their theme of “Dreams” aiming to provide “escapism in a world where reality can be nightmarish.”
Models strutted down the runway in stunning outfits, each piece a testament to the creativity and innovation thriving within the city. The fashion show not only provided a platform for local talent but also served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the arts. The finale of the show saw models walk down in dresses designed by some of our very own Craft Café members!
The substantial donation of over £47,000 will have a profound impact on Impact Arts and the communities we serve. With this generous donation, it will help us to expand our reach, offering more programmes and engaging with more individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly, fostering creativity and boosting mental health and well-being.
Impact Arts’ CEO, Fiona Doring, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the donation, stating, “We are incredibly thankful to Glasgow Charity Fashion Show and everyone who contributed to this amazing effort. This donation will make a significant difference in our ability to provide creative opportunities and support to those who need it most. The power of the arts to transform lives is immense, and with this support, we can continue to make a positive impact in our community.”
It’s been a year since we officially launched The Boardwalk and what a year its’ been!
Previously the home to Scottish Youth Theatre, in Spring 2023 The Boardwalk was taken over by Impact Arts and transformed into a purpose-built creative and accessible events venue, boasting a 180-capacity theatre, seven studios and meetings rooms capable of hosting everything from dance rehearsals and creative workshops to corporate events and conferences.
Since opening the doors The Boardwalk has welcomed more than 22,000 visitors from Glasgow and beyond, and hosted more than 250 different organisations and customers. Many of the country’s leading creative organisations have benefitted from the spaces, from permanent theatrical tenants like Solar Bear and Birds of Paradise, to dance studios brought to life by the likes of S-MB Company and The Work Room, and transformative creative engagement charities like Playlist for Life and Inspiring Scotland.
In the last year The Boardwalk has also become a vital and vibrant base for Impact Arts. That has included welcoming older communities struggling with social isolation, improving the wellbeing and attainment of children via art therapy, and empowering teens and young adults through our employability programmes such as the recent Creative Pathways project, which in March culminated in a celebratory showcase of artwork created by our young people, including a design which could be used by cosmetics giant Lush later this year.
The Boardwalk is a social enterprise and all money raised from the hires, events, and tenants directly benefits the work of Impact Arts across Scotland. And as we get ready to celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, the second year of life at The Boardwalk looks set to be just as busy.
Fiona Doring, Chief Executive Officer of Impact Arts, said: “The Boardwalk has been a fantastic opportunity for Impact Arts to move into Glasgow’s city centre to a venue that supports the arts sector in Scotland through the provision of accessible and inclusive spaces. The venue has a real social heart and all those that visit comment on just how friendly and welcoming it is. The mix of people who use the studios creates a fantastic buzz and the range and volume of people who have accessed our studios and events over the year has been wonderful!”
If you are looking for a space for your next event, then check our The Boardwalk or contact [email protected] for more information
Paul, inspired by seeing his brother’s achievements on our Impactful Starts employability programme, joined our Cashback Summer programme in the hope of having fun, making friends and spending time over the summer gaining new skills. Paul initially believed art wasn’t for him. He came to the group not knowing anyone and having little to no experience of using art materials or art practice. The challenge for Paul was getting the time to try out new things for himself and seeing that being creative was something he could do. However, throughout the programme, he not only made new friends but also embraced various art activities, contributing to a group quilt and discovering a passion for creating his own video games.
Despite limited prior experience, Paul excelled in gaining his SQA Practical Abilities qualification, showcasing his commitment to learning and teamwork. Engaging in the John Muir Award, he actively participated in environmental conservation activities, displaying leadership and mentoring skills. Paul’s journey on the programme highlighted personal growth, from overcoming scepticism about art to excelling in diverse projects.
Looking ahead, Paul plans to return to school and has applied for a Digital Marketing apprenticeship. Over the course of the programme Paul worked really well with others and wasn’t afraid of trying out new things, and can see that doing so results in identifying new interests outside of school.
Paul said; “The programme has really helped me mentally and helped take my mind off of other things going on. I believe Cashback Summer is a great opportunity for young people like myself. It’s really helped me, and I have to thank the staff, and all the people that came in to show us how to do things like First Aid and stop motion animation!”
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHARITY
Every year our Craft Café Govan members aim to create a number of projects where they make things of use for other charitable causes. They wanted to find small charities and organisations where their gifts could feel more personal and be more useful. Emphasising that Christmas is not just a time for consuming and receiving, but giving and showing kindness.
They chose a local based charity to give to; Amma, for babies and mothers. Amma provide care, information, and advocacy for women who face birth and parenthood alone, and offer birth and postnatal companionship, education and support. They often work with refugee and asylum-seeking women, survivors of human trafficking, and other individuals experiencing multiple disadvantages. The members created personal giftboxes for the parent and baby, with a knitted teddy an item of baby clothing, a hand written card, a lavender bag and a handmade soap. Making twenty-five gift boxes for the charity.
After the success of last years gifts to Florence House care home, they decided to do it again. The members made 20 gift parcels, containing a painting, a copy of their Back Court Concerts booklet, a knitted blanket, a lavender bag and a card. The gifts will go to those residents who are more isolated and do not receive many visitors. The contents of the gift parcels were matched to the tastes and interests of the residents.
Last week our Craft Café Govan members launched their Back Court Concert exhibition at The Boardwalk.
The amazing work of 50 Craft Café members was celebrated with a beautiful showcase of their work from the past year. From an Indian ink project to watercolours from the community garden. As well as individual artwork from members past and present.
The main event was the Back Court Concerts project, celebrating the playful performances the members put on in the back courts as kids. Including a miniature tenements set, a crankie shadow puppet machine, and some performances by the members.
Thank you to everyone who came along and helped celebrate our amazing members. The exhibition will be on display till 17th November at The Boardwalk and we highly recommend you pop in to see the wonderful, nostalgic pieces of art!
Location: The Boardwalk, 105 Brunswick St, Glasgow
At the beginning of the year Lush approached Impact Arts to collaborate on a very exciting project! The beautiful cosmetics company were looking for new designs for their gorgeous knot wrap collection, to be launched alongside the opening on their new Glasgow Store. The Knot wraps are a sustainable way to wrap gifts and can be used over and over in a variety of different ways. Lush has a handy guide on their website showing some of the different folds and wraps that can be achieved for different items.
Our amazing Creative Pathways participants took on the brief and came up with various ideas and designs before settling on a final wrap agreed by Lush.
The design was influenced by the colours of autumn, woodland creatures and a clear sky on a crisp October night. It was developed by the young people in the group who wanted to combine their individual styles to create a Wimmelbilder style image in which the viewer sees something new every time they look at it.
The participants Knot Wrap can be purchased here and is available in their UK Stores.
