Plymouth projects get that Vital Sparks funding
A children’s outdoor theatre adventure, craft for carers and a project which puts the experience of being homeless in the frame are some of the projects that have been given a boost from Plymouth Culture Board’s Vital Sparks project.
Current and former residents of BCHA’s George House, Plymouth’s homeless hostel, are being offered a chance to explore their lives through photography and film through working with a local photographer.
The project has been awarded £4,900 under the Vital Sparks scheme, which is led by the Council and funded by Arts Council England and aims to ignite creativity, collaboration and a sense of pride around the city.
The photography project will help participants learn new skills and confidence ahead of an exhibition to create a better understanding of the experience of being homeless. It is one of five projects to be given funding under the scheme.
Deputy leader Councillor Peter Smith said: “The project is still in its infancy but it is really clear already that Plymouth residents have the appetite and the ability to come up with incredible projects that really benefit their community. There’s been an incredible variety.”
Vicky Reeve, Activities and Development Co-ordinator at George House said: “There is a real buzz at George House - this news has caused a lot of excitement. It was the residents’ idea and it is good to see their ideas in practice. It will be their project from start to finish.”
Other projects awarded funding by Vital Sparks include:
- Crafting Carers run by Plymouth Carers Forum will receive £2,302 to help combat isolation for carers with a 20-week programme working with those in care and voluntary carers to enjoy craft workshops ahead of a festival to celebrate their new skills.
- Glad Rags will receive £2,600 for a craft project based in Stonehouse which will work with communities linked to Ham Woods. Glad Rags will bring people together to learn new skills, build confidence and join community groups encouraging those from a built up urban environment to visit woodland. An overgrown area in Ham Woods will be cleared to plant a willow bed which will provide free materials for the project
- Children in Stonehouse will create an innovative piece of outdoor theatre at Devil’s Point with local artists Stiltskin thanks to a £4,000 grant. The production will follow the journey of a fish from the river source down to the open sea and will involves artists, pupils and parents pitching in to create props, costumes and artwork. The project will link with Plymouth’s 2014 Beach Festival which aims to encourage the respect and preservation of local marine life, eco systems and their community.
- Barne Barton Junior Rangers FC :funding worth £1000 will help transform an old football kit storage container with a mural by a local illustrator and young people from Barne Barton. This project will celebrate sport and the local community through creativity and forms part of Barne Barton’s summer programme of events
The second round of funding from Vital Sparks is open and groups have until 31 August to apply. For more information and an application form visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/vitalsparks or contact Fiona.evans@plymouth.gov.uk
