the arts
c reat i vi t y is n ' t c a n c e ll e d Our local creative community has reacted magnificently to these extremely trying times with an innovative combination of things to do, listen to, watch and read, all of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.
TO DO 'Get Creative' packs Cartwheel Arts distributed creative activity packs to families in the Rochdale borough in partnership with Link4Life. Arts organisations in the borough including M6 Theatre and Skylight Circus Arts also contributed content. The packs not only inspire creativity and learning but also let recipients know that the local authority and creative community are there for them if they need any help and support in these strange times. Download the activity booklet and access lots of other free downloadable resources including colouring sheets and puppet templates at: cartwheelarts.org.uk/event/get-creative-inside
Creative Care Kits A unique collaborative project by Greater Manchester Combined Authority and local cultural and voluntary sector organisations from across Greater Manchester, including AATA friends [Brighter Sound, Cartwheel Arts, Castlefield Gallery, M6 Theatre Company, Octagon Theatre and The Lowry], who came together to respond to the Covid-19 crisis. The kits were distributed to young people aged between 1320, who may be struggling with their mental health, or might be a young carer or not in education, employment or training. The 22,000 Creative Care kits were distributed to young people who are not online, and so may be feeling more isolated, and lonely during this difficult time. Each kit contains 36 pages of activities, hints and tips on protecting mental wellbeing and a set of art materials. Download for free at: www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/media/3020/creative-care-kityoung-people.pdf
38 | Rochdale Style
Be creative with Link4Life The Link4Life team produced highly recommended arts at home projects for adults and children plus an online tour of the Touchstones Collection. Visit: www.link4life.smart-exercise.com/stay-creative-at-home/
A creative challenge Touchstones Rochdale challenged us each week to draw, film, photograph or write something using the weekly word as a prompt. Visit: www.link4life.org/at-home
TO LISTEN TO, WATCH AND READ Music from Rochdale Parish Church To enjoy on YouTube The Scott Brothers Duo’s (Jonathan & Tom Scott) 'Saturday Night Spectacular' for Piano and Organ broadcast from Rochdale Parish Church, St Chad’s, with a much-anticipated version of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and great footage of St Chad’s. This video has already had circa 30k views! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bEnrPci2tM
Performances from Rochdale's M6 Youth Theatre Young people from Rochdale’s M6 Youth Theatre were unable to share live performances with their community this year. However, nobody wanted to let all of the hard work go to waste, so they connected online and created four brand new digital productions. The two 8-11 year old groups created music videos to accompany original songs from their shows and the two older groups turned their scripts into radio plays. What’s Bugging You? is a fun music video about the things which bugs and creepy crawlies get up to when humans aren’t looking.
