Creative Fenland offers part-time creative arts courses in a safe, friendly and supportive environment for adults aged 19+ in Cambridgeshire. The project is run by Cambridge Community Arts (see separate JOY listing) and aims to tackle loneliness and build community, connections and confidence through creativity.
Creative Fenland's creative short courses run for 6-8 weeks in Spring, Summer and Autumn terms. The weekly sessions are typically 3 hours long. All provide opportunities for high quality learning led by talented creative practitioners, experienced in working with adult groups with support needs, supported by a staff coordinator and volunteer teaching assistant. All staff are DBS checked and have undertaken Safeguarding and Prevent training. Courses cover all forms of creative practice, including and not limited to visual arts such as printmaking and all forms of painting; creative writing; drama and improvisation; dance; music and performance (plus instrumental sessions such as guitar and drumming); textiles; ceramics; digital arts; and selling your artwork.
Creative Fenland’s work is based on the premise that the Arts have the power to transform people on several levels. They act as a shared interest to bring people together, an engagement tool for learning but also work on a deep personal level allowing for personal expression and development and most importantly transformation. Creative activities are not therapy but are therapeutic and evidence shows that our ‘interventions’ have a positive impact on well-being, mental health and in fostering a sense of social inclusion.
Creative Fenland particularly welcomes those with health conditions, disabilities, and unpaid caring responsibilities. Our Arts Coordinators provide intensive individual support for our learners, encouraging them at each step on their personal creative journeys, from enrolment interviews, to mentoring during their course, celebration of their successes at completion and ongoing encouragement as part of Cambridge Community Art’s Creative Community. Courses will have a maximum of 10 participants because our long experience of running creative arts courses for socially excluded adults has demonstrated that small groups of 8-10 enable a tutor: learner ratio and sense of security that is beneficial for participants. For those who struggle with social isolation, this provides a positive environment, that is not too overwhelming.
Where to go:
IN PERSON:
Accessible community centres and village halls throughout the Fenland region. Cambridge Community Arts runs courses in community venues throughout Cambridge City (listed separately on JOY). Please check the website to see the locations of current courses.
Some courses are delivered ONLINE throughout Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
Creative Fenland courses are open to adults aged 19+. They are FREE for those on means-tested benefits or low income. Please see the website for full eligibility criteria and further details.