Covid-19 Creative Opportunity

Would you like to take part in a new project making an embroidered quilt with other people from across Derbyshire?

If you are over 65 and live in Derbyshire, artist Lois Blackburn and poet Philip Davenport can provide creative packs, full of ideas and materials direct to you in the post.

Whether you are experienced and confident in embroidery, or a complete beginner, everyone’s contribution is welcome.

If you are interested in taking part in this project or know of someone who might enjoy getting involved, please contact Sally Roberts on 07395 904386 or email sally at sallyartsderbyshire@gmail.com You can also register your interest, or ask any questions by filling in this form:

A Necklace of Stars is a collaboration between housebound, isolated older people in Derbyshire,  arthur+martha,  Arts Derbyshire   DCC Public Health and Derbyshire County Council Home Library Service. 

When life returns to normal the project will go into it’s next phase, working together in peoples own homes, with occasional meet ups in libraries across Derbyshire.  Alongside the quilt, a poem and song soundtrack will be inspired by lullabies. Text, image, dialogue, crafts and music will all combine. Lullabies bring calm and comfort, and also tell insightful stories that pass on the depth of human experience from generation to generation.

We are working with The Institute of Mental Health, who will produce an independent report, pinpointing learning points and exploring the significance of this type of focussed work with a marginalised group. The aim is to achieve a new model of artistic practice with isolated older people. Loneliness is a huge problem for older people, The Campaign to End Loneliness states: Making art develops intimate connections […] it counters loneliness, brings togetherness/intimacy, builds confidence, enhances feelings of being valued.

Artist Lois Blackburn is leading the quilt design and making, poet Philip Davenport will lead the creative writing. We are excited to be working with singer songwriter Matt Hill aka The Quiet Loner, again, who will take the lead with creating  new lullabies.

After a year of workshops in people’s own homes, we will celebrate the work with community/participant events, and a 12-month exhibition tour around cultural venues across the country.

It’s a really exciting project and we would be thrilled if you could join us in getting involved.

For more examples of embroidered stars for the Necklace of Stars quilt, please visit:

instagram.com/arthur.and.martha/

 

A Necklace of Stars, is supported by Arts Council England, Arts Derbyshire, DCC Public Health and Derbyshire County Council Home Library Service.