Leeds Arts University have contributed creative activity postcard designs to a Yorkshire-wide initiative to distribute 8000 bags of creative materials to vulnerable young people across the region during lockdown.
Image: Drawing Using Touch postcard by Jenny Scannell, Leeds Arts University Progression Team
The ‘Bags of Creativity’ include the activity postcards; an amazing array of art, craft and design materials for creative exploration and play; as well as more unusual items to spark the imagination, from a silver space blanket to brightly coloured chiffon scarves.
Image: Drawing Using Touch postcard (reverse) by Jenny Scannell, Leeds Arts University Progression Team
At the beginning of lockdown, Leeds Arts University’s Progression Team responded to a call from creative training organisation, IVE, for artists and arts organisations across Bradford, Doncaster, East Riding, Hull, Leeds, Rotherham, Sheffield and York to be involved in the Bags of Creativity project.
Two postcard designs, designed by members of the team, featuring ideas for creative arts activities that use the creative materials provided, were among twenty selected for inclusion in the bags. The project is a partnership between IVE and eight Local Cultural Education Partnerships and is funded by Arts Council England.
Image: Framing the World postcard, Martell Baines, Leeds Arts University Progression Team
Martell Baines, Leeds Arts University Progression Manager said:
“Throughout the year, the Progression Team support young and mature learners from disadvantaged contexts to access higher education through outreach and aspiration raising activities. When the call came to be part of this brilliant scheme, which aligns perfectly with the work that we do, we jumped at the chance.
“Ensuring children and young people remain creatively stimulated throughout lockdown has been challenging whatever their backgrounds. But for those young people without access to online resources it has been especially difficult which is why this project is so inspiring and important. I am delighted that we have been able to take part in this important venture at this time. I am sure the ‘Bags of Creativity’ will be very much enjoyed by its young recipients.”
Thackray Medical Museum, also contributed a postcard, repurposing a design that Leeds Arts University BA (Hons) Fine Art and MA Creative Practice alumni, Bobbie Rae, produced for a forthcoming mural project at the museum.
Twitter: @BridgeYorkshire #bagsofcreativity