Gem Arts
GemArts delivered a high-quality participatory arts project, Hyem, with isolated and vulnerable BAMER and wider communities in Gateshead (Bridges Ward and Felling); and in the West End of Newcastle by offering culturally relevant arts activities to improve health and wellbeing; and bring communities together to share and celebrate their creativity.
Local people were consulted and actively involved in the delivery of the Hyem project. People from BAMER communities often feel excluded, caused by a number of different factors including: moving to a new community, language barriers, social exclusion, educational underachievement, lack of employment opportunities/money, a sense of alienation i.e. not made to feel part of British society, racism, bullying, hate crime and sexism. All these issues can lead to low levels of physical, mental and social wellbeing and health problems.
Summary: Participatory arts project focused on marginalised communities.
Award: £20,000
Area: 2+ areas
Beneficiaries: 680
Digital Story Gem Arts with the Hyem Project
The project aimed to enable participants to:
Experience working with culturally relevant professional artists
Achieve through creativity and enjoyment; encourage participants to express their own ideas, drawing out talents, skills and passions.
Explore issues in a safe and supported environment.
Achieve lifelong learning, leadership, planning and other transferable skills as the projects are participant led
Celebrate culture and identity
Support people and communities to develop knowledge, skills, confidence and relationships so they can manage their own physical, mental and social wellbeing and that of their family and community
Reduce isolation and develop networks and relations with other individuals, communities and organisations; encouraging social capital, promoting community cohesion, integration and social inclusion, combating racism and discrimination
Progress to further creative opportunities, education, training, volunteering and careers
