The Bridge Homelessness to Hope hosted their first Creative Session Exhibition, showcasing creative works by Leicester’s vulnerable and homeless community.
The inaugural event, which was held on Friday 17th December, displayed a range of eclectic artworks created by around 20 budding artists who were drawn from the various creative sessions, including works from Arts & Crafts, Photography and Music.
Loki Amber, Creative Session Volunteer
The artwork, which had been created over the past year, was a collection of various pieces using several different mediums, including black and white sketches, illustrations, paintings, jewellery and crafted pieces.
Photographs were part of a 'City Life' project. Taken by guests over several weeks, the photographs showcased inner-city life using various exposure techniques; focusing on related colourways and context.
The music group, consisting of singers, drummers and guitarists, played three songs to an audience at The Bridge, including 'Wicked Games' by Chris Isaak.
The Christmas art exhibition precedes several key activities in 2022 including a photography exhibition at the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery in March, a musical recording project, the development of a new digital platform to showcase the works and an Instagram page. In the new year, the charity will also be hosting gardening workshops and creative writing sessions with poet and spoken word artist, Cathi Rae.
“The exhibition served as a form of outreach to get homeless people involved in the arts. It was also a way to challenge the stigma and negative perceptions around homelessness as all too often, vulnerable and homeless people tend to be overlooked by society. We would like to thank our artists, musicians, staff and volunteers for their work in making the art exhibition a success and are excited about the future developments that will help our guests to channel their creativity.”
David Fawcett, Executive Operations Manager at The Bridge Homelessness to Hope.
One of The Bridge Homelessness to Hope’s key funders for the charity’s recreational arts therapy activity is Carlton Hayes Mental Health Charity, which funds charities and not for profit organisations, and in turn support individuals of limited means suffering from mental health problems.
“We are constantly looking for charities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who can use the funds we have available for our charitable purposes and this exhibition and the contributions by everyone involved at The Bridge is a great example of where the money can make a real difference.”
Mark Newcombe, Chair of the Carlton Hayes Charity.
