said: “As a digital artist I am passionate about breaking down preconceptions that it is a difficult medium to work in. With The Library Presents project I was able to put this into practice, the work the participants produced was of the highest standard. Sessions were not only full of creativity, but also laughter and camaraderie amongst the group mem- bers. Friendships were formed and digital art was demystified. The workshops were some of the most productive I have been involved with, as I was able to see confidence growing at first hand. I look forward to working with The Library Presents team again, and being part of even more ambitious projects.”
Evaluation and plans
The popularity and success of the workshops is clear to see – we have had participants returning for multiple ses- sions. At Huntingdon library we had two people who attended all three sessions on the same day – that’s six hours of concentrated art.
Jason has enthused and inspired everyone – his down to earth attitude, talent and sense of humour has set exactly the tone we had hoped for. A lot of the participants really want to talk and Jason is more than happy to engage. After working closely together,
April-May 2019
customers become secure enough to begin to share their stories with members of the team, which is a privilege.
Initial results from the evaluation show that 89 per cent gave the workshop the top rating of “very good”. When asked how likely they were to create digital art in the future 62 per cent gave the top rating of 5, a further 20 per cent giving the rating of 4. Future plans? We are talking about a digital and physical exhibition. The Library Presents and Cultural Solutions UK will evaluate the project fully and we will be happy to share findings when the process is complete. Almost every participant has
asked if we will be holding more work- shops – the demand is definitely there.
What have we learnt?
We have learnt that the workshops are very intense for all involved. Three sessions in one day was probably at little ambitious. Group size needs to be capped at eight to allow the support needed by some members of the group. A cup of tea and a biscuit generates a lot of goodwill. People really value what libraries do. People are always amazed that we do this sort of thing. The wider benefits of the programme are there for all to see – the sociability of joining a new group, making new friends and learning a new skill does so much for the participant’s wellbeing. It gives people the chance to reduce feelings of loneliness, to stimulate creativity, and offers new experiences in areas of rural isolation. All with an app, an iPad and an artist. IP Views expressed are the writer’s own.
Contacts
The Library Presents –
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/arts
Joanne.Gray@
cambridgeshire.gov.uk Nathan.Jones@
cambridgeshire.gov.uk jason@jwmartist.co.uk www.culturalsolutions.co.uk
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