A project, designed to unite communities across Cumberland, through the power of art, self-expression, and collective imagination is set to get underway.
Cumberland Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) has announced upcoming dates for their community project, The Art of Wellbeing, in partnership with Rosehill Theatre.
Led by acclaimed artist Stefan Escreet, it will offer a series of free, interactive art workshops that invite participants to explore themes of health, wellbeing, and community.
Through hands-on sessions, attendees will craft imaginative paper puppets, each one a reflection of personal stories, emotions, and perspectives. The project will use the power of visual arts to create meaningful expressions of health - both physical and mental - and explore how creativity can serve as a vital tool for individual and collective wellness, as well as health research.
The conversations during these workshops will be recorded and woven into an original radio play, offering a unique blend of storytelling and art. The culmination of this project will be a public exhibition at Rosehill, showcasing the community created puppets and radio play, highlighting the powerful role of creativity in enhancing wellbeing.
The NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration Cumberland is part of the NIHR and hosted by Cumberland Council.
Cumberland Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing, Cllr Emma Williamson, said:
“The Art of Wellbeing is a truly inspiring project that brings together creativity, community, and conversation in a way that reflects the heart of what we stand for in Cumberland.
“It’s not just about making art, it’s about making connections, exploring our shared experiences around health and wellbeing, and celebrating the power of creativity as a tool for healing and understanding. I’m proud to support this project and excited to see the imaginative outcomes and meaningful stories that will emerge from these workshops.”
Rosehill is delighted to be managing the Art of Wellbeing project. A spokesperson for Rosehill added:
“Community wellbeing through creativity and connectivity is a major part of our theory of change and underpins our entire modus operandi. Through this project, we aim to bring high-quality, inclusive and creative experiences to people throughout Cumberland, via partnerships, old and new.”
The workshops are free to attend, and everyone is welcome to participate - no prior art experience required. For more information or to register, please visit: cumberland.hdrc | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Workshop Dates:
- Monday 4 August - Harraby Community Centre, Harraby, 4pm - 6pm
- Monday 11 August - St Bees Parish Hall, St Bees, 6pm - 8pm
- Thursday 14 August - The Closet, Carlisle, 3pm - 5pm
- Wednesday 3 September - Aspatria Library, Aspatria, 12pm - 2pm
- Friday 5 September - Millom Library, Millom, 11.30am - 2.30pm
- Wednesday 10 September, Walkmill Woods, Whitehaven, 4pm - 8pm
- Thursday 11 September, Florence Mine, Egremont, 1pm - 2.30pm
- Thursday 11 September, Soundwave, Whitehaven, 3pm - 5pm
- Friday 12 September, Kirkgate Arts Centre, Cockermouth, 5pm - 7pm
- Wednesday 17 September, Yam Frae Yam, Gosforth, 5pm - 7pm
- Friday 19 September: Carnegie, Workington, 5pm - 7pm
- Friday 26 September: Settlement, Maryport, 5pm - 7pm