New creative project set to empower vulnerable women in Mansfield

A pioneering project aimed at empowering local women at risk to take positive control of their lives is set to be launched in Mansfield.
Women will take part in craft activities at Mansfield Museum.Women will take part in craft activities at Mansfield Museum.
Women will take part in craft activities at Mansfield Museum.

Creative Women Together will be a coordinated, holistic and therapeutic project giving vulnerable or at risk women a special creative experience.

They will engage with paintings, jewellery and ceramics collection at Mansfield Museum and participate in visual arts, made possible by £89,680 funding granted by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

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This programme of work will be a first for Mansfield District Council’s cultural services in an ambition to achieve social and health impacts.

It will also be part of a series of social prescribing projects that will see new approaches to addressing health and wellbeing challenges in Mansfield.

Councillor Stuart Richardson, portfolio holder for regeneration and growth, said: “I’m so pleased that our town’s museum has been successful in receiving this substantial amount of funding.

"This important project for local women at risk is a significant achievement for the council’s wellbeing priorities and makes our beloved collections accessible to people who may otherwise not have engaged with our cultural venues.”

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The project will see women at risk develop an understanding of fine art through engaging with the collection of ceramics, paintings and jewellery over the next two years.

This will include appreciating and understanding more about the items in the collection, as well as participating in creative arts activities to develop their own artistic work.

Museum curator Jodie Henshaw said: “The impact that Covid-19 will have had on vulnerable women in our area means that there are those who will have endured extra suffering, isolation and trauma during this time.

"This programme will provide a healing journey that is caring, loving, non-descriptive and non-judgemental. By taking part in this project, participants will make new connections, overcome barriers and explore emotions by building their confidence and self-esteem. I’m really excited to open our museum doors later in the year and welcome the participants to our friendly and safe space”.