Art in Motion was a project run in collaboration with The DEEN Centre which aimed to promote positive mental and physical well-being through inspiring field trips and stimulating creative workshops over the summer.

Professional multidisciplinary artist, Zara Saghir, delivered a variety of creative workshops with the community, providing opportunities to explore the natural wonders right on our doorstep, here in the heart of Pendle. We visited the Leeds/Liverpool canal, Lomeshaye Nature Reserve, Towneley Park and Art Gallery, Turton and Entwistle Reservoir and Liverpool’s Tate Gallery.

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Working with women, children and families from the BAME community who had suffered during the pandemic, the workshops focused on group creativity and reconnection after what has been an isolating and unsociable time. Our aim was to dissipate negative feelings of isolation, anxiety and loneliness caused by the pandemic, as we begin our return to normality. We have worked both indoors and outdoors, combining art and physical activity whilst exploring a range of artistic techniques such as sketching, stitching, painting, collage, calligraphy and clay/pottery. The project has given people in our community the opportunity to reconnect through their love of art. Learning new skills has provided fulfilment and pride, whilst building new friendships and exploring the outdoors has improved physical, mental and social well-being.

The project has been a huge success and we would like to thank all who were involved. To wrap up the project, we had a celebratory meal out with the community group and invited members from our partner organisations Super Slow Way and Together an Active Pendle.