Art in the Park are crowdfunding for a wheelchair ramp and a heating system to make their base at the old bowling pavilion in Alexandra Park fully accessible to all.
The heat is (nearly) on for Art in the Park
There are two weeks to go for the Arts On Prescription (AOP) Crowdfunder to develop the Art in the Park pavilion into a warm and accessible creative hub throughout the year. Erica Smith turns the spotlight on this valuable community resource and looks at why it deserves our support.
Karen Arthur of Colour Me Happy is a great advocate of the benefits of Art in the Park’s social prescribing model to help people cope with illness and depression by engaging with their creativity.
As I write, the AOP Crowdfunder is teetering around the £7,000 mark with two weeks left to reach its ambitious target of £10,000. Crowdfunders are nerve-wracking campaigns to run. Whilst any money is welcome in these financially challenging times, getting another £3,000 donated in the next week is crucial for the success of the project. All donations must be made before 3.57 pm on Thursday 6 April.
Any contribution to the Crowdfunder – large or small will be hugely appreciated.
What does AOP need the money for?
AOP director Tara Reddy said, “We have no heating at Art in the Park and our wheelchair ramp needs updating. We also need additional storage space for all our tables and equipment. Last year we delivered a wide programme of free inclusive family-friendly events, and if you came you will know what a lovely space it is. Your funds will help us continue to bring Art for Wellbeing for All to the community all year round.”
Who are AOP?
AOP is a team of professional artists and wellbeing practitioners trained in mental health, suicide awareness and crisis management. It is passionate about the benefits that participation in art, connecting with nature and being active brings to health and wellbeing: building confidence, learning skills and reducing loneliness and isolation.
Founded in 2019, AOP has a track record of delivering quality activities to all ages, including painting, printmaking, pottery, textiles, creative writing, singing, dance, yoga and mindfulness, both online and in GP health centres. AOP supports adults of 16 plus with challenges impacting on their mental health, low income, long-term health issues, disabilities, caregivers, those at risk of loneliness and isolation; issues that impact on health inequalities in Hastings, an area of high need and deprivation.
AOP fulfilled a critical role during lockdown when classes were rapidly transformed from meeting in local community halls to being delivered via Zoom. The service was a lifeline for many Hastings and Rother residents.
It offers a unique opportunity to people who are feeling depressed or vulnerable to explore their creativity. Several AOP participants have continued their art studies at local colleges.
“I joined Arts on Prescription in 2019. I love all the people here, they help my confidence and now I’m doing my level 3 at college because they helped me.”
Daisy, 24
Art in the Park is dependent on fundraising to support its inclusive programme of events. Last summer’s art and craft market was a great way to raise funds, but fundraising through the winter months has been more challenging.
“I have a long-term health condition with mobility issues, I was lonely and depressed and working with AOP has opened up my world. I am now attending university working on projects that support diversity and inclusion and am a dedicated volunteer for AOP. AOP is a life saver for me”
Michelle, 30
What is Art in the Park?
In April 2022, AOP took over the disused bowling pavilion in Alexandra Park, Hastings to set up Art in the Park. In the last year it has piloted a magnificent programme of activities to promote creativity, nature, and community engagement in local heritage.
Tara says, “In our first year at Art in Park, during spring and summer, we delivered multiple family-friendly events reaching out to over 1,000 residents. We are ready to build on our successes and make Art in the Park an even better space that is accessible and responds to the needs of this diverse and colourful town, Hastings!”
“Arts on Prescription has helped me with my self-confidence, I’ve made new friends, developed skills. I am now a volunteer here”
Andie 50
AOP wishes to develop Art in the Park into a volunteer-led, year-round, safe and warm Hub, accessible to a broader audience and responding to a growing demand for inclusive creative and wellbeing workshops and community events.
Art in the Park offers a secure space from which an exciting and varied art and wellbeing programme can be delivered – one that promotes inclusivity, creativity, spending time in nature and getting active.
“I joined Arts on prescription after gender reassignment surgery. AOP offers so much variety, and is suitable to all abilities, everyone is so receptive, the community spirit is wonderful and I am now a volunteer.”
Jemia, 60
You can read more about Art in the Park and the impact of AOP’s work by visiting their Crowdfunder page. Please donate – and share the Crowdfunder with your network of friends before the campaign ends at 3.57 pm on Thursday 6 April.
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