Junction Arts are the force behind community arts events, Bolsover Lantern Parade and Tapton Lock Festival, and next year, they celebrate their 45th year co-creating projects with rural and ex-industrial communities! Hannah Bowdler, their Relationship Fundraiser, who joined the charity earlier this year, tells us more about the charity and the importance of community arts.
The power of the arts
Community arts have long been practised to empower individuals and communities to come together for self-expression, to spark community discussions and allow for shared cultural experiences.
The arts have a positive impact on people and the places they live. Projects such as This Girl Codes empowers young women in North East Derbyshire to build confidence and skills, address inequality and inspire change through connection to their heritage using technology.
We've worked hard to develop our work online throughout the pandemic. We have adapted to stay engaged and active in our communities to give those isolated the much-needed break from daily worries through exciting creative activities that connect them to others.
Jane, Junction Arts Project Coordinator say, "Now more than ever the arts have a crucial role to play in helping people’s health and wellbeing. Taking part in the arts activities with others is an opportunity to be social, escape reality, be creative, learn new skills, make new friends and feel part of a community."
Keeping the community together during a pandemic
November marked the 27th Bolsover Lantern Parade, a well-loved tradition in the town and one of the largest lantern parades in the UK. Years of family-friendly lantern workshops with professional artists has grown a talented community of lantern makers.
This year, not to be beaten by the Pandemic, Bolsover are still celebrating the parade tradition from their homes, by participating in a new Junction Arts project ‘Lighting The Way’. Residents, businesses, schools and care homes created Hope at Home bird lanterns that were lit in their windows on the 28th November.
Connect and support those struggling
Please help us raise £4,000 this December, as we run our first Christmas Giving Campaign. By donating, you will be sending a lifeline to those who are increasingly isolated and alone this Christmas, linking them to their communities. Please follow the link on our website to make a difference.
If you are looking for some escapism and a creative break, you can get involved with our projects through our website. Please share your creativity with us and get in touch online.
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Words: Hannah Bowdler and Paul Chapman
Image: Junction Arts