The KIND Commissions allow West Cumbrian-based creatives to initiate, lead, and deliver projects that blend aspects of creative well-being, social prescribing, social inclusion, and community collaboration by, for, and with the people of West Cumbria.
For more information on each commission and to find out how to get involved, email hannah.kessler@rosehilltheatre.co.uk
Gift it Forward
KIND Creative - Janice Murray, is working with residents in Green Bank on the next phase of the Gift It Forward project, which enables participants to craft and create beautiful, meaningful works of art.
Beyond the beauty of the crafts, this project is about kindness. In each session, we craft three pieces— one to keep as an act of self-kindness, one to gift to someone and one to donate as selfless kindness.
Participants not only create art but also spread happiness and kindness to others. Donated pieces bring a little joy to someone who may need it.
Crafting with purpose brings people together and spreads kindness.
The project will be shared at an exhibition at Rosehill in December.
Time to Change Project
Established in June 2013, Time to Change partners with local authorities, corporate organisations, and the charity sector to improve lives through warmth and kindness. They provide help and support to those most in need in our communities. Based within Kells, Whitehaven, a community space has been established for residents across Kells, Green Bank and Woodhouse.
We have partnered with TTC to provide a new opportunity which places creativity at the heart of the centre. KIND Creative Anne Blankson-Hemans is working in residence with the organisation to develop innovative projects for and with the communities that will interact with the space.
The Welcome Hub Artist in Residence
Since September 2022, a weekly KIND welcome space has been open in Whitehaven Town Centre to help reduce social isolation in the community. Held every Monday, it is invaluable to the residents who regularly attend. Local organisations within the social care sector are strongly linked with the space to aid in organising, attending and supporting their vital services.
Every Welcome Hub offers a creatively led activity. The creative sessions are a safe space within the hub for attendees. Evaluation from last year indicated that the sessions helped participants to form better connections and improve their well-being.
We are now working with artist-in-residence Nanette Madan, who will be present at the Hub session (Mondays between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm) from September 2024 to March 2024 to devise and deliver a project that collaborates with the communities and services and links to other projects/community groups across Whitehaven.
