PARTNERSHIP: THE MAKERS HOUSE AT THE DESIGNERIE, ENTERPRISE CAUSEWAY AND FUTURE SCREENS NI
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the most vulnerable people faced increased isolation, resulting in decreased opportunities for social interaction and physical activity - so vital for good mental and physical wellbeing. In addition, local artists and makers faced a loss of income and significant negative impact on their small businesses, due to closure of physical premises, local markets and craft fairs.
The act of creating something, and our and others, appreciation of it, provides an experience that can have positive effects on our physical and mental health. The current situation demands that opportunities to participate in, and connect with others through creative activities need to be made easily available, affordable and accessible. With that in mind, and with the support of Future Screens NI, Makers House at the Designerie Bushmills have created “The Makers Series”.
Funded by Future Screens NI- ‘Rewriting the Narrative’- The Maker’s Series comprises eight, easily accessible and free ‘virtual’ workshops, led by established local artists/makers, allowing those most in need to engage in creative activities and connect with others. The workshops introduce crafters, makers and artists to a range of traditional crafts and art forms that they may already be familiar with, but have not engaged with for some time (weaving, macrame) and new crafts and arts forms they may not have tried before (photography, needle felting, paper crafts). Each of the workshops will encourage viewers to explore their talent, through expansion and extension of learned skills, and to continue to develop and to express themselves creatively in their own time. All workshops feature clear audio and visual instructions and will also provide the option of free downloads of user friendly, printed instructions, featuring full colour photographs of each step.
Workshops are free, and carefully planned to keep material costs low, and/or will include materials viewers may already have at home. The artists of Makers House at the Designerie hope you enjoy them and would love to hear your feedback. Contact clairemcdowell256@gmail.com for more information.