Simon Community NI’s Portadown Project recently welcomed Garath Keating, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, along with other members of the community, at the launch of a new art installation created by clients staying in one of our temporary accommodation Projects in the area.
The artwork is the result of an ongoing ‘Inspiring Change in the Community’ programme funded by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Arts Council NI and the Prison Arts Foundation. The ‘Inspiring Change’ programme aims to increase social inclusion by working with some of Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable and marginalised groups of people at a pivotal point in their lives.
During the programme, the Prison Arts Foundation Artist in Residence Cathy Moore delivered a series of 15 visual art workshops to a group of Simon Community NI clients. She delivered a structured programme of activity which helped the group overcome social isolation, promote social harmony, develop skills, build self-esteem and confidence, foster a sense of local pride and identity, share stories and encourage social connectedness.
The resulting outcome of these sessions was a large mosaic wall mural and smaller individual pieces of artwork created by each client. The collaborative wall mural will be placed in the communal garden of a Simon Community NI Project for clients and staff to enjoy.
We would like to thank all the clients, staff and funders involved in this fantastic initiative, and we look forward to seeing what other wonderful pieces of art our clients can produce now their creative juices are flowing!