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| creative opportunities for local people |
| RAP offers creative workshops, courses and projects in a wide variety of art forms, both at its specialist arts facility at Radstock Youth Centre and through outreach work in the environs of Midsomer Norton and Radstock (Norton Radstock). RAP provides creative arts workshops for people who have had limited or no access to the arts and to support local community groups through the use of the well-equipped, fully accessible art rooms.
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| at the heart of the community |
| RAP open workshops for all ages are informal, relaxed, and enjoyable, with the focus on the process and experience to learn new techniques, work at their own pace and explore ideas with expert help on hand.
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RAP workshops:
- are suitable for those with little or no experience and those wishing to refresh existing skills
- offer a wide range of art forms which have included: pottery, printmaking, silk painting, batik, bookbinding, mosaic, felt making, stone carving, willow sculpture, kite making, puppet making, scrap sculpture, creative writing and more.
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| "I wish I could come here every day" - 7 year old RAP participant |
| "Thank you. I haven't done any art since I was a child, and coming onto RAP's workshops has given me the confidence to enroll at the local college" - RAP adult participant |
| RAP also works with local community organisations to provide bespoke workshops and courses aimed at meeting their needs and aspirations. |
| Connections Day Services |
| RAP has worked with this group of disabled artists from Connections and their carers in a long-term support project to enable creative expression and develop skills. |
- Participants have learned textile and mixed media techniques which they exhibited in Bath Fringe Festival 2005.
- RAP ceramics workshops inspired Connections to start their own business, 'Tiles Extra', which creates small ceramic items for sale
- 75% of the group felt that the course increased their confidence and 92% felt that they had learned new skills
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| "RAP has helped Connections Art group by giving them somewhere out in the community to do their projects." - Val, Connections user |
| "I liked going to Bath and seeing my work on our banner. I felt very proud seeing it on the wall." - Paul, Connections user |
| Barnardo's Norton Radstock Family Centre |
| 2005 saw the start of 'The Art Group', a partnership project between RAP and Barnardo's Norton Radstock Family Centre, for children who have faced challenging family circumstances. |
- Children have been encouraged to direct the workshops themselves, agreeing their own code of conduct and developing themes and techniques according to their interests.
- They are supported to use new ways of expression and to explore their ideas and feelings, with the emphasis on fun and creativity rather than therapy.
- Positive outcomes include increased self-esteem, understanding of others' needs and social interaction.
- Exhibitions have showcased a host of imaginative work, including 'splat tents', homes for unique clay creatures, modern-day fossils, cardboard cities, wearable art and snow globes
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| "J. was talking non-stop about the Art Group and how he liked and enjoyed being there… he has learned to take turns, and to let other people have their say." - Parent of a participant |
| "This is so cool!" - Art Group participant |
