West Devon Art Workshops

An amazing new National Lottery funded art project was launched earlier this year in West Devon and East Cornwall. The Craft & Community project will, over two years, engage socially isolated people in learning new skills and help with community art projects in Tavistock, Okehampton, Bere Alston and Callington. There will also be family workshops and events throughout the year. In June, volunteers helped make props for Tavistock Carnival, including a giant puppet of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat. In September, participants began three new projects: a mosaic in Bere Alston based on village landmarks; a painted mural in Okehampton exploring the town and River Oke; and making large creations for the Tavistock Lantern procession in December.

Project leader Andy Cairns, from West Devon Art Workshops said: “This will build on previous projects developing mosaics, murals, textile hangings, carnival props and lanterns. Through learning a new skill, participants will grow in confidence, and through helping with a community art project they will feel more engaged with the local community.”

The project will run for two years, alongside the on-going Art for All courses in Tavistock, also funded by the National Lottery - plus a whole array of full cost, but affordable and accessible art courses. As part of the project, there are plans to develop a new art centre in Tavistock with 2D and 3D art studios to run more art and craft courses so new art clubs can form, including clubs for young people and people with learning disabilities, plus space for community groups and local artists to make and exhibit their work. This has become particularly important as Learn Devon, the main adult education provider for Devon, will no longer be running art courses.

Tutor Gill Cairns, who previously worked for Learn Devon said: “The end of art courses by Learn Devon is the culmination of years of cuts by local and national government, undervaluing the arts in general. Art is treated as an optional extra whereas in reality, self-expression and creativity are fundamental to who we are.  Investment in people’s wellbeing actually reduces pressure on the NHS and social services so is money well spent.”

Andy added: “We will be working hard to fill the gap in local provision by providing affordable accessible art classes, clubs and events for people of all ages. Please get in touch to get involved and help us build creative, happy communities.”

Meanwhile, fundraiser Lisa Teasdale is working on developing a Young Artists Project to inspire children and young adults’ creativity and engage them with their community. This will include art clubs, a summer school, events and exhibitions as part of a year-round programme.

For more details, contact Andy: westdevonartworkshops@gmail.com