Projects
Enchanted Gardens
Working
with three garden environments in the Staffordshire Moorlands, this project celebrated the
richness and diversity of our garden heritage. Using the arts as a means to educate participants
and audiences about the ecology, biodiversity, history and folklore surrounding our relationship
to the natural world this project also celebrated International Year of the Garden.
Using the
'Garden' as a 'way in' to the wilder aspects of the Moorlands and Dales of the Peak District
this project engaged participants in an holistic exploration of our creative selves, our inner
landscape, the elements and how they translate into the physical environment, the long tradition
of artistic inspiration drawn from 'the garden', 'the natural world' and 'landscape' with all
its metaphors.
By involving local people in the development and production of public celebratory events, we hope we increased awareness of the gardens, (to put them on the map) of those who tend them, (their motivation, understanding and skill) and of our inextricable individual and collective link with the nature.
Issues of health and wellbeing were explored creatively drawing inspiration from environmental
concerns and issues such as global warming, biodiversity, pollution, stagnation, the seasons,
life cycles and the passage of time.
REAP joined forces with local artists, 'Creeping Toad', (Environmental Education Specialist),
'Borderland Voices', (Creative Writing and Art Therapy Group) 'Leek Social Learners Enterprise'
and 'Rethink' (formerly the National Schizophrenia Fellowship) to devise educational and celebratory
production processes.
Garden 1: The Kniveden Partnership Gardens and Woodlands
Artists commenced the enchantment throughout the summer, to involve service users of Rethink,
Leek Social Learners Enterprise, Moorlands Day Service for learning Disabled Adults, NHS staff
of the Kniveden Partnership, elders resident at the site and those in search of tranquillity
and repose.
This project aimed to promote mental well being and aimed to extend the use of the garden as
an educational resource and social meeting place for its users.
An Enchanted Garden Party was held on September 26th 2004, from 2pm-5pm.
Garden 2: John Hall Garden
This project promoted understanding of mental health issues and raised the profile of the garden and its facilities, which were open to the public all summer. Artists worked with the staff and service users of Rethink, and a range of garden lovers who frequent this newly restored garden, shop and café.
One of Leeks best kept secrets, John Hall Garden is a haven for those seeking nature, beauty and an escape from the hubbub of life, as well as those who itch to get their hands dirty.
Enchantment occurred at John Hall Garden on October 23rd 2004.
Garden 3: Tittesworth New Wetlands Area and the village community of Blackshaw Moor
This project involved staff and pupils of Blackshaw Moor Primary School and Pre-school group, Blackshaw Moor Youth Association and the local Brownies, Scouts and Guides Groups.
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