Our Lockdown Art - Valleys Kids

This breathtaking display of visual arts was created during lockdown, by local people experiencing isolation, loneliness and fear, in the heart of the Rhonnda Cynon Taff Valleys. This area, one of the poorest in the UK, experienced the highest death rates per capita due to Covid. Love Art - Live Strong initiative is led by Valleys Kids' remarkable Artist in Residence, Anne Culverhouse Evans, who went above and beyond the normal call of duty to ensure that the lifeline of weekly Art Groups was sustained, despite huge challenges. Anne's role is supported by The Colwinston Charitable Trust and she is based in Art in the Attic - The Robert Maskrey Gallery in The Factory, Porth: https://factoryporth.uk/the-factory-porth/art-in-the-attic/

Zoom became a crucial connection tool for older people who still thought a Zoom was an ice lolly. Valleys Kids raised funds to ensure a stash of iPads were available for those who had none and Anne patiently ran tutorials in how to use them. She assembled and delivered art materials to members homes and developed themed, weekly online art sessions, which became the highlight of a seemingly endless week. It provided a creative focus in the midst of a terrible time, giving a sense of achievement, improving their sense of wellbeing and ensured that people felt connected, diminishing the sense of fear and loneliness.

The added bonus of the iPad loan, for isolated families who were unable to visit in person, was they could see precious children and grandchildren over Facebook - another technological hurdle!

The final exhibition was held in The Factory, Porth when lockdown restrictions were lifted and revealed an astonishing array of hundreds of works of art created by ordinary people making the best of times out of the worst. Hats Off to Anne and her talented, intrepid Artists!

Видео Our Lockdown Art - Valleys Kids канала Valleyskids