News

We are delighted to have been awarded funding from the UK Government’s
Community Renewal Fund to deliver a range of projects in North Ayrshire.

Impact Arts have worked in the area for
over 20 years, with our office and workshop base at Bank Street in Irvine and we plan to deliver a number of key projects that have already demonstrated
bring tangible positive benefits. Chief Executive Officer Fiona Doring, said;
“We know what amazing social, economic and cultural impacts can be achieved by
working creatively and partnering with North Ayrshire’s people, communities and
organisations. To have this level of support will allow us to work with more
people across Ayrshire and with more organisations to bring about further
positive change.”

There are many opportunities for local
people and organisations to get involved in the projects, either as
participants, to refer to or partner on work, as well as employment
opportunities.

Initially, we are are seeking
referrals for young people who need support with their mental wellbeing for
our ‘Make Space’ project. The project will combine therapeutic arts
activities with wellbeing techniques through a range of virtual 1-1 and group
sessions, which can be accessed at a time to suit the individual. The project
has already demonstrated just how impactful this approach can be, in building
resilience and reducing anxiety.

There will also be a range of
employability programmes for unemployed young people aged 16-26 who are
struggling to get qualifications or have barriers to progressing to the next
stage in their lives. Through these programmes we will be offering
something different. Something that as a result of creative activity,
supports young people to gain in confidence, learn new skills and move on to
college, further training or employment. We are keen to talk to
anyone who feels that they, or someone they know, might be interested in
getting involved.

Additionally, we are also
interested in speaking to any artists or makers living or working in North
Ayrshire who would welcome the opportunity to develop their skills and
knowledge of working in community settings through our Makers & Artists
Mentoring Programme. From previous work in North Ayrshire we are aware how
training, mentoring and work experience in community settings can bring about
real positive social, economic and cultural changes to the people, towns and
villages of the area. Keen to hear from artists and makers who are
interested in taking part in the programme – whether they have an art degree or
not.

If you are part of or know a community project that is interested in
exploring how a creative approach can bring about improvements to the people or
area in which they work, then we would love to hear from you as well. This might include improving an unloved piece of land; bringing music or craft
activities to groups; using creative thinking to explore community needs and
more – there really are so many opportunities for people and organisations to
get involved, so please do get in touch.

For more information,
call Impact Arts on 0141 575 3001, email hello@impactarts.co.uk