Lakeland Arts has been awarded a grant almost £50,000 to deliver MEND – a collaborative making project aimed at mending and repairing objects, minds, communities, and hearts.
Through the sharing of skills and practices, along with conversation and enjoyment, MEND makers will build new and lasting partnerships with the people who have made Cumbria a contemporary place to live and thrive.
Rhian Harris, Lakeland Arts Chief Executive said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a grant from Art Fund’s Respond and Reimagine programme to support the delivery of our MEND project.
“With our cultural venues temporarily closed, the grant allows us to remain connected to audiences who are unable to visit our venues and access our collections because of the current COVID-19 restrictions.
“Over the coming months we look to reconnect communities through shared experiences and create pathways to develop new relationships in the future.”
Amy Stretch Parker, Lakeland Arts Participation Producer said: “It’s an incredible opportunity to be able to build a creative project in the community I live in. Through lockdown, I have been part of, and seen, an amazing amount of creative endeavours in my Cumbrian village as people try and survive. So, to be able to celebrate that through this Art Fund Respond and Reimagine funding is wonderful.”
Lakeland Arts aim to launch its MEND projects in January 2021 and culminate with a celebration and display of work later in the summer. Visit lakelandarts.org.uk for more information.
