About ArtReach

ArtReach is Square Chapel's community outreach programme, taking art into the community and bringing different communities to the arts! We work with the following groups all over Calderdale:

Young people
People with learning difficulties
People with disabilities
Ethnic and cultural minority communities
Older people
Refugees and asylum seekers

Music, painting, dance, calligraphy, drama, creative writing, pottery, film-making, crafts, photography... you bring the ideas, we'll help you achieve them!

Many of our programmes and projects are FREE or offered at a greatly subsidised cost, and we're always keen to hear from community groups or individuals wanting to get involved or bring their own ideas for projects!

You can benefit from community arts projects in the following ways:

Be creative
Promote your local community
Make yourself heard
Make new friends
Learn new skills
Gain new experiences
Take part in performances and exhibitions

Funding

ArtReach began in October 2006 and was born out of Inclusive Arts, a five-year SRB6 funded programme. We are currently funded by the National Lottery, via the Arts Council, and HBOS. We also raise money for individual projects from a variety of public funding sources.

What's so good about Art, then?

First of all, art can be fun. You don't have to consider yourself an artist to benefit from art, just willing to have a go and try something new. Community arts in particular can be a great way to socialise, enjoy team working, learn new skills, build confidence and self-esteem and work toward a common purpose.

Art isn't necessarily just for fun, however, but can be a tool for education, expression, documentation and creativity, giving individuals and communities a voice. The profile of participatory arts has improved over the years, and it's often an effective element of many community regeneration programmes. Whether you want to use art as a way of voicing community concerns and being heard, or want to learn new skills, art activities can result in a sense of pride and achievement.

Contact information

Michaela O'Sullivan (learning difficulties and disabilities) michaela@squarechapel.co.uk
David McQuillan (young people and older people) david@squarechapel.co.uk
Maria Spadafora (ethnic minorities and asylum seekers) maria@squarechapel.co.uk

All our Outreach Officers can be called on 01422 353073.