1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely. Loneliness is a major issue that is now widely recognised in society today. Therefore, it is not surprising that a growing body of evidence suggests that people are healthier and happier when they experience acceptance, social belonging and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Folke Art is a pilot community art in health project led by Charlotte Chapman of Community Art Kent CIC in partnership with Sunflower House (A community hub in Folkestone). Folke Art is a free weekly community art class for adults aged 55+, that takes place in the new Sunflower House community room on The Bayle, in the heart of Folkestone (South East England). The creative classes prioritise the social: time to talk, exchange, make friends and build support networks, as well as the artistic: taking part in new creative activities, from bookbinding through to printmaking and sculpture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The participants were people over 55 years old, living in Folkestone who rarely access the arts. Participants had a choice to engage with the project for as long as they like over a year, some dropped in and out and some attended and participated regularly. The Folke Art Pilot project engaged 47 people with 9 local artists delivering workshops and 4 new community partnerships developed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An evalution of the Art was conducted by Professor Angela Pickard. Findings showed Folke Art provided opportunities for developing a sense of self and purpose for the participants. The project has also provided opportunities for people to connect, meet new friends from a range of different backgrounds and this supports the building of new skills, friendships and an artistic community. In addition, all the participants (100%) fed back about the value of learning new skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Folke Art is an example of a successful community art project but its success is due to the group interaction but also the project management and facilitation, from marketing, recruitment, retention to creation of a welcoming and supportive environment. The provision of regular, free, accessible,
and creative art classes that also offer opportunities for social connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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