The SPARK research and development programme brings together community organisations in Stamford and their service users to consider engagement and barriers to participation in the area.
Urban art and nature inspired conceptual art were new areas for our participants. Overcoming some initial trepidation and figuring out new safe ways of working with our artists Kathryn Parsons and Korp, they developed their skills and understanding, discovering benefits including connection, better mental health and increased confidence: converts to the creative cause! They helped us gain a better understanding of local barriers and exclusion, who does not participate and why, and importantly what would they get involved in.
Our project partners included The Evergreen Care Trust, Bluecoat School, The Royal British Legion, MindSpace Stamford, St Georges Church and personnel from the Stamford Foodbank. The project was part of the Arts Council COVID-19 Emergency Funding supported through the National Lottery.
