A north Cumbrian arts organisation has been awarded £5,000 to work with adults with learning disabilities.
The Laal Collective, based in Wigton, has been given the cash by Cumbria Community Foundation, for its Stories from the Kitchen Table project.
Stories from the Kitchen Table is a studio-based programme. Working in small groups, the project creates stories through drawing, conversation, drama and puppetry as well as other art forms.
It is hoped that the project will reduce some of the isolation created during the last couple of years, particularly for adults with learning disabilities.
The Laal Collective aims to build the group’s confidence, develop their skills through conversation and creative activities, and therefore raise their profile and work as artists through community performances and exhibitions.
Ali McCaw, co-director of The Laal Collective said: “Stories are fundamental to people of all ages and cultures. They tell us who we are, give us social boundaries, give us understanding of people and their communities and above all they give us a way to explore our emotions, particularly laughter.
“How our stories are told and shared is defined by each individual working in the group, using their strengths and talents to create their own personal outcome.”
This new funding will help to expand the group, offering places to those who may otherwise not be able to afford it.
Vicki Maxfield, co-director of The Laal Collective, added: “The funding provided by Cumbria Community Foundation is vital to keeping our service running.
“With the rise in cost of living and cuts to budgets, people are struggling to access what they need. This funding allows us to have open conversations with people and offer places to people who have limited or zero budget.”
Stories from the Kitchen Table runs on a Tuesday and Friday at The Laal Collective’s studio in Wigton. For more information, contact The Laal Collective at hello@thelaalcollective.org.uk or call 07546722632.
