Owners
What it's all about
I want to help the homeless or visitors to day centres help themselves by upcycling discarded materials using various techniques to create a range of products to sell. The proceeds would either go to the day centre or to the individuals themselves.
What's needed to make it a reality
raw materials to upcycle. Could be scrap furniture. Some tools to use in the upcycling process, paints, emroidery hoops, sewing machines etc.
Encouragement from a mentor and participation of visitors to day centre.
Encouragement from a mentor and participation of visitors to day centre.
Comments
Your idea sounds interesting, and reminds me about the 'arte povera' movement. This movement was developed during the economical depression of the late 60s in Italy. The words povera actually mean 'poor' and it is not a word that tends to denigrate the art, instead, it makes emphasis on the use of materials that were dumped, useless and commonly known as 'rubbish'
I am not sure your idea involves these types of activities; however it may be something for you to consider.
If you are interested to follow this idea just google 'arte povera' and you may gain a broader understanding of the concept.
Also, here is a little video that may give you an idea of the type of art Povera is about.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HXB77G9zRfU
good luck
I saw this article and thought of you! Thought you would just find it interesting to see what a similar project is doing in Nottingham.
ART PROJECT TO HELP DISADVANTAGED
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09:00 - 01 January 2008
Step into The Art Organisation in Station Street and the intriguing artwork on show tells a number of personal stories.
The former hardware store has been converted into a gallery and coffee shop by Rob Smith and wife Kelly.
One of Mr Smith main aims is help disadvantaged young people get interested in photography and produce work for an exhibition in March.
Working with children from challenging backgrounds in Harlem, New York, prompted Mr Smith, 43, to start up something similar in Nottingham.
The qualified youth worker said: "The kids in Harlem were some of the worst registered in social care. We took them to places in the countryside and did lots of other projects around sport.
"We want to give people the opportunity in Nottingham the chance to experience art."
One of the students currently on the photographic course at the Art Organisation is 19-year-old Kerri Rutter. The single mother from Radford had daughter Hollie seven weeks ago.
She plans to study hairdressing but was told about the course through her care worker and was keen to join.
She said: "I've been coming for four weeks and learning about the art of taking photos and developing them in the darkroom here."
Kerri is one of just six people on the course which the Art Organisation is able to run with cash aid from the Local Network Fund and Community Foundation Fund.
They have made links with 16 to 19-year-olds leaving foster care and social care centres, through the city council's leaving care team.
The students learn the basic understanding and use of an SLR (single lens reflex) camera, and how to take good pictures.
They are introduced to the darkroom, taught how to develop their films and techniques in hand-printed black and white photography, and encouraged to use methods to produce a series of prints and imagery relative to a concept.
The project culminates with a presentation of the artwork, framing and marketing a group exhibition.
Kerri added: "I'm quite pleased with the work I've done so far and I've been out taking pictures of things like Wollaton Park and the Council House.
"It's pretty simple once you know what you're doing but the help I've had from Rob has been brilliant."
The Art Organisation , which has been running for a year, is also renting three neighbouring derelict buildings in Station Street.
The Art Organisation plans to start craft and art workshops for a group of single mothers in January.
Once a single mother herself, Rob's wife, Kelly, 25, is the co-creator of the Art Organisation in Nottingham.
She is keen to hear from those who would be interested and says she wanted to start the sessions after she found herself in a similar situation.
She said: "The idea is about offering opportunities and making people feel confident to do things.
"They can come in to the building and get used to it and what we are doing, then come to the workshops and know their children are safe and in the building with the creche we provide."
It is hoped the sessions will run once a week for three hours. Kelly added: "We will be using recycled materials and things we already have in our homes, as we are a recycling organisation. The point is to offer parents and kids something to aspire to. It's also a chance for them to meet other parents and hopefully learn new skills which could help them set up a business of their own."
For more details about either of the courses call Mr Smith on 0115 924 1440 or drop in to the Art Organisation in Station Street or visit www.theartorganisation.co.uk
hurtej.kaur@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
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