Foreword to create a wealth of texts, images and artefacts – all brimming with personality and created by participants themselves. The arts can take our lived experience and transform it into an expression of something deeper and more connected. And in so doing, creativity revitalises us to withstand challenges and find new ways to move forward. Well done to all involved as we commend your ‘Brilliant Resilience’.
Resilience can be defined as coping with extreme challenges but not be overwhelmed by them. To do so brilliantly, reflecting beyond that strength into areas of creativity and connection, was the explicit ambition of the Brilliant Resilience programme. Having consulted with our partner organisation, the Rural Housing Association, for over a year, we were delighted that this creative vision gained funding support from the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. It meant that at the point where our communities were beginning to tentatively emerge from lockdown, with all its isolation and disconnection, that we could share a creative path to reducing anxiety and support ways to wellbeing and reengagement.
Conor Shields, CEO, Community Arts Partnership
Community arts are best placed to serve that ambition and need, being exclusively focused on the context and aspiration of local community groups. CAP, and our partners, have achieved positive feedback in surveying of the groups and their participants when asked about the reduction of isolation and the sense of pride in their areas and 96% noted that they felt even more resilient as a result of the programme. But, beyond all these benefits, the principle focus of the work is the making of art. The creativity of our groups, supported by the skill and generosity of our artist-facilitators, has been nurtured 8
