Enjoy a #CreativeAutumn with The Cultural Spring

As we move into autumn, I’m entering the sixth year of my involvement with The Cultural Spring.

The project has been connecting people in Sunderland and South Tyneside with the arts since 2014 and not even a global pandemic has been able to stop its amazing work.

Its latest programme – dubbed #CreativeAutumn – sees the return of in-person workshops for the first time since March 2019, as well as a continuation of its online offering.

There is also a non-digital aspect, focusing on helping those who are isolated feel better connected.

Five craft packs have been developed with a range of artists and I have once again been asked to produce calligraphy kits to help people learn at home.

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A calligraphy workshop in full swing for The Cultural Spring in 2019.

#CreativeAutumn Craft Packs

The craft packs have been designed with the aim of engaging isolated people through the use of arts and crafts.

They will be offered regular support in their creative endeavours.

The activities on offer are:

  • Autumn and Winter Whimsies Project
  • Eco and Wellbeing Packs
  • Textiles
  • Calligraphy
  • Mixed Paper Craft Packs

The calligraphy packs include everything you need to get started with calligraphy and will be spread out over three months to help you build up your skills in time for Christmas.

You’ll be guided through a basic Foundational Hand script, starting with lower case letters, then moving on to upper case letter, numbers and punctuation, before moving onto words and sentences.

Each pack features a little challenge to help you gain confidence and put what you’ve learned into action.

I’m so excited, I’ve already got the September and October packs ready to post!

If you’d like to get your hands on any of the packs – there are 20 calligraphy places available – contact The Cultural Spring on 07469 0303 256 (Mon-Thu 10am-4pm) or e-mail info@theculturalspring.org.uk.

There is a limit of one craft pack selection per person.

#creativeautumn
Foundational Hand worksheets form part of the Calligraphy Craft Pack.

#CreativeAutumn Online Workshops

Meanwhile, The Cultural Spring has announced a new batch of online workshops.

They are Amanda Quinn’s Autumn Writers, Pui Lee’s Awesome Artists – exploring a diverse range of artists from LS Lowry to Lady Kitt – and James Whitman’s Writer’s Bootcamp.

A spokesman for The Cultural Spring said: “Our online workshops are set to continue this autumn after huge success during some trying times for all of us.

“Online workshops open us up to be able to reach as many people as possible, and we are aware that the pandemic has thrown up additional accessibility issues alongside a whole range of reasons online may the best way to engage in arts and culture for some.

“We are bringing you some brilliant creative talent to host the workshops utilising Zoom once more with a now tried and tested method that receive some absolutely wonderful feedback.”

#CreativeAutumn In-Person Workshops

Six venues in Sunderland and South Tyneside will host a range of workshops for all ages.

Parents with children under the age of three will be able to access Little and Loud music and movement classes at Box Youth in Sunderland.

A family-friendly crafts session will also take place at Ryhope Community Association in Sunderland.

Other activities include sculpture, ceramics, cyanotype, singing, card-making, pottery, ukulele, relief printing and heritage crafts.

For full details of the in-person workshops, click here.

#creativeautumn

The #CreativeAutumn programme is subsidised by Arts Council England and offered by The Cultural Spring on a ‘Pay What You Decide’ basis, so there is no upfront cost, but you can make a voluntary donation if you wish.

This can be anything from £1 upwards to support the running costs of the project.

For more information about The Cultural Spring, click here to visit the website.

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