As part of a long-term partnership with Jigsaw Homes we have been running monthly craft sessions, delivered by artist Samantha Edwards, and focusing on art and craft for creativity and wellbeing.
Over the past year, the group have transformed their community hub in Dukinfield into a vibrant centre bursting with artwork covering every wall. They’ve enjoyed visits to watch shows here at the Theatre, learnt a range of crafting skills and formed friendships over tea, coffee and cake. They’ve now established themselves as a Community Interest Group with their own constitution, hoping to reduce isolation, provide opportunities for the community and provide well-being activities.
John McGlynn from Jigsaw Homes commented…
‘This thought-provoking project goes to the heart of what really matters to people in the country right now. None of the women involved knew each other six months ago which makes this project even more inspirational. As craftivists their methods are viewed as a gentle, compassionate, respectful, slow and quiet, while still having an impact. The process of making encourages people to engage thoughtfully with issues such as poverty, provoking reflection, conversation and then taking action together creating social change’.
This week the group presented their ‘craftivist’ banner supporting the ‘Enough Is Enough’ campaign to local MP Andrew Gwynne, which they created in response to the cost-of-living crisis. Actor Julie Hesmondhalgh also popped along to help celebrate the brilliant success of the group and spend some time with the group crafting and chatting.
Julie said…
‘A massive and lesser-known part of the work of the Exchange is out in the wider communities of Greater Manchester, I was lucky enough to be able to bob along to one of their brilliant projects in my own home-borough of Tameside, to see the wonderful Samantha Edwards running her warm and joyful craft group in Dukenfield. Much tea and cake was consumed, and Joe from the community garden was handing out bunches of bok choy like bouquets! The participants were deep into drawing, colouring, sticking, making, and the local MP Andrew Gwynn came to pick up a “craftivism” banner made by the whole group to protest the cost-of-living crisis. Several of the group went to see the young company perform at the Den the other week and a gang went to see The Glass Menagerie at the Exchange, accompanied by Sam. Most had never been to the theatre before, all of them loved it, and were moved by the experience. This kind of work is everything. It is about theatres being inclusive and welcoming and about art and craft being a way to connect, protest and soothe. I loved every second of meeting the Dukky gang and hearing their stories.’
This vibrant, crafty community hub is a hive of creative activity and most importantly friendship, as two participants said…
‘Fantastic experience! The highlight of my week. Really look forward to it and meeting the new friends I have found there. Every week is different using varied materials and methods and exploring our own expressions of art. Also finding again how creative we all are, and just the time to be us as we are.’
‘Love it, meeting people and joining in, making bird houses, colouring in, making jewellery. Amazing, I needed this to help my anxiety.’
Follow the People’s Community Dukinfield via their facebook page.
Find their Community Cookbook here.
