In May 2024 we were pleased to award funding to Starling Arts, a female-led community arts group based in Brighton and Hove, who promote the wellbeing of older people by offering free creative activities.
Our funding was used for their weekly creative group and enabling creative sessions to take place, covering the cost of materials, facilitator fees and refreshments.
The organisers noticed how the members increased in confidence during the sessions. The members soon realise that the group is an encouraging place, where they can learn to find their own art style and that previous art experience is not necessary. They regularly see an increase in artistic risk taking and decision-making, and this can lead to an increase in general confidence as well as a growing realisation that their artwork is interesting and has merit.
An important part of the group's work is to help reduce isolation in older people, and they were pleased to see many new friendships that have been formed in the sessions.
Here are a few comments from members:
'It has been an incredible help to my mental health, I look forward each week to the class, learning new techniques which I so enjoy & can continue with at home. I've met some lovely people in a calm relaxed atmosphere. I very much appreciate that the classes are free, as I doubt I could otherwise afford to come'.
'These sessions have made a difference to me, by increasing my knowledge of art and encouraging an experimental and playful use in using unfamiliar art materials. The sessions have been beneficial and have had impact on my wellbeing, as I feel very focused and peaceful when I'm in the class'.
Members can see progression in their work, and they report enjoying learning new skills.