“Before the Grow and Behold Exhibition I had never used a digital camera. Also I had not used a computer since school. I love using digital cameras and computers now and playing about with the images and manipulating them on the computer.”
Arc Member
Grow & Behold
Over the Summer of 2007, Arc worked with gardeners and volunteers from Reddish Vale Community Garden. Those involved explored how digging, planting and growing, can inspire artistic pursuits. This collaboration concluded with an exhibition at Arc's studio and a creative picnic exhibition event at the Community Garden.
The project aimed to encourage and increase member's participation in new creative activities, outdoor activities and to increase social inclusion through collaborative work. It enabled a sharing of community facilities, previously unknown to both groups. Skills levels amongst members and associate artists increased, along with confidence built up through the participation and the process of learning new skills and the strengthening existing ones
“I enjoyed doing the project because I learnt quite a bit about actual photography and enjoyed the process of putting music to the film we made. It was a learning curve and I was pleased with what I did.” (Len Holtom, Arc member)
“I enjoyed going to the garden and meeting people and getting out on a sunny day was good. I hope that the group at ARC works with gardeners again.” (John Potts, Arc member)
Overall the project:
• Assisted in reaching a broader community
• Encouraged exercise and the idea of growing your own food.
• Encouraged people to be in an outdoor environment and being active.
• Succeeded in ARC members exhibiting in two very different spaces.
• Extended access and participation within the two groups.
• Increased skill and creativity across both disciplines (arts/gardening)
• Improved quality of life
• Increased knowledge of existence of Reddish Vale Garden and ARC
• Increased socialising and social understanding.
• Increased understanding/empathy of ‘mental health issues.'
• Challenged all those involved, members and artists to step outside of their comfort zones.