When fleeing from a home country with little or no material possessions, arts and crafts traditions travel inside hearts and minds. Refugee Week Scotland has long been a champion of amateur arts, providing a platform for creativity from around the world.
Groups such as Maryhill Integration Network, which brings together a wide range of nationalities to celebrate their diversity through dance; or The Spirit photography project, which saw amateur photographers capture refugee communities for a large-scale exhibition; and an upcoming needlecraft show which will join asylum seekers, refugees and local Scots as they reflect on their heritage through embroidery
Next week
Voluntary Arts Scotland is a charity which promotes voluntary arts and crafts activity, and offers information and support to groups and individuals who take part in the amateur arts. Our annual week-long event, Voluntary Arts Week takes place 11 – 19 May, shining a spotlight on the 10,000 plus voluntary arts groups across Scotland. From choirs and orchestras to painters and potters, each of those groups contributes to Scotland’s cultural mix.
Get involved this year
During Voluntary Arts Week, groups can hold taster sessions, run open rehearsals, or collaborate with other art forms – anything that showcases their activity and opens it up to new people. This year, we’re also promoting a nationwide ‘CraftBomb’, where public spaces will be decorated with a variety of craft materials, including a series of installations at Glasgow Botanic Gardens.
‘Art engages our empathy’
In Scotland, culture has always been tidal; creative ideas remaining fluid and mixing anew each day with fresh perspectives and ideas from other shores.
Taking part in art engages our capacity for empathy. In this inter-connected world, the compassion and imagination to understand and relate to another’s point of view has never been more important for individual and community wellbeing. Indeed the word ‘amateur’ comes from the words ‘to love’.
So, take part and find out what’s taking place in your area during Voluntary Arts Week. Or hold a welcome event for new members to your voluntary arts group..
Find out more about Voluntary Arts Week or request a free CraftBomb pack. Follow the latest updates on Twitter: @VolArtsWeek @VAScotland #CraftBomb
