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A creative arts and print-making project has given learning disabled adults from Blyth an opportunity to develop and sell their own artwork. The PrintAble project, devised and run by Headway Arts, was made possible thanks to a grant from The1989 Willan Charitable Trust Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.
The PrintAble group work collectively to develop their creative skills whilst working to produce a series of designs that can be used to create cards, t-shirts and other printed goods. These products will then be available to be sold locally through shops and markets and on the Headway Arts website.
Nils Stronach, Head of Grant Practice and Programmes, said:
“The project has been a great success with participants continuing their artistic development and being given further opportunity to explore different print styles. It has clearly captured the imagination of everyone involved, allowing them to become artists in their own right.”
The project supported a core group of 15 adults who met once a week throughout the year. They produced images around a series of themes that interested them including ‘friendship’, ‘family’ and ‘feelings and emotions’. Their work was shown as part of a Summer exhibition alongside other amateur and professional artists and included in a book that was sold at the event.
Paul Denton, Development Coordinator at Headway Arts said:
“A big thanks to The 1989 Willan Charitable Trust Fund at the Community Foundation for their award to Headway Arts towards our PrintAble print-making sessions for learning disabled adults in Blyth.
“We were very pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for these participants from some of the most disadvantaged areas of Blyth to try out and learn a variety of new arts activities and to increase their confidence and independence through making and selling their own printed goods. Everyone participating has been full of ideas and enthusiasm to be taking part.”
One participant, Rebecca, summed up what the project meant to her:
“With my anxieties I think, I can’t do this and can’t do that – but taking part has made me realise that just because you have problems doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your dreams. Since I was a little girl my number one dream has been to be an artist, and I feel like one now!”
