We are very pleased to announce the launch of ‘Reach Out’ project at the Octagan by Emmerdale fame star Rokhsaneh Gwaham-Shahidi. She launched the Exhibition alongside the Book and gave out certificates to participating women groups and individuals.
The winner of the best mosaic will be chosen by our three judges -Maura Jackson, Sajida Hussain and Emma Gregson.
REACH OUT is a Women in Neighbourhood (WiN) lottery funded project which seeks to engage women from a variety of cultural backgrounds & empower them through the medium of art. Launched at Great Lever Connected, the project is co ordinated by Gulnaz Brennan who is also the Founder & Chair of WiN, and was delivered with the support of Anna Kinley, Jenny Vining and Wendy Ann, Shafina and Urvashi Tulsidas.
Women groups from across Bolton created some very inspiring mosaic with ‘Women’ as the central theme. Art has a universal language and is a great medium to connect, engage and empower people. The exhibition is a culmination of ‘ Building Bridges’ NLDC funded art course by Bolton College.
The theme of ‘Women’ was chosen because women are often the unsung heroes of day to day life in our cities, towns and villages. Women play an important role in developing community cohesion and transforming loosely linked neighbourhoods into true communities. Women are natural communicators and networkers and can use their combined voices and efforts to effect positive change. This project is a celebration not just of the ancient art of mosaics and Beadwork but of the efforts of countless women who have contributed to the integration and harmony that characterises the richly diverse communities of which our great town is comprised.
Materials and support were provided to different groups and individuals taking part in REACH OUT. The aim of the project was to develop a collection of artistic works which celebrate cultural diversity whilst also unifying those who participate in the project through their work on the project. It is hoped that communities in Bolton will benefit from the results of these endeavours, with a range and style of mosaics adding to the town’s growing collection of artistic works, reflecting its rich and varied cultural history.
The Book ‘REACH OUT’ is a collection of the artwork of these very inspiring ladies of Bolton and is dedicated to May Radcliffe whose strength and quiet dignity was inspiring. The project is supported by CFAM (Community Film Art & Media) group and Bolton College.
The workshop is designed to introduce people …young and old, to the ancient art of mosaic and an opportunity to unleash their creativity.
We would like to express our thanks to Octagan and it’s wonderful team. It’s very exciting and also fitting to have the exhibition at the The Octagan – the epicentre of Art in Bolton. It will bring women from hard to reach communities to Octagan who perhaps would never ever set a foot in a theatre in their entire lifetime.
Women in Neighbourhood (WiN) is about promoting women education, engagement & empowerment, created specifically for the women of Bolton. WiN provides safe spaces, a voice and a support network for women looking to connect with each other, seek support, share skills and work collaboratively.