The Council wins Heart for the Arts 2018 Award

The winners have been announced for the National Campaign for the Arts' (NCA) Hearts For The Arts Awards 2018.

The awards celebrate the work of Councils, Councillors and Council Officers who have overcome financial challenges to ensure the arts stay at the centre of community life.

‘Lost in Art’ by the Council has been named Best Local Authority Arts Project Encouraging Community Cohesion.

Lost in Art is a visual arts project for people living with dementia and their carers. The aim of the project is to explore the role of visual arts in addressing issues that can affect people with dementia, including social isolation, confidence, communication and quality of life. The project was developed with the support of the Arts Council of Wales and the Dementia Services Development Centre at Bangor University and its Dementia and Imagination research project.  There are two groups running in Denbighshire at present, one in Rhyl and the other at the Ruthin Craft Centre.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence said:  “I would like to congratulate the Arts Service and their team for this worthwhile project, research has shown that taking part in creative project can improve mood and confidence and an increased sense of belonging to a community for those taking part.

“The intergenerational element with local schools is also a wonderful addition.”

Siân Fitzgerald, Community Arts Officer said:  “On behalf of the Arts Service, I am delighted to receive this award and I would like to thank the artistic team involved and the all the participants who have been integral to the project.

“I would also like to acknowledge the support and expertise we have received from Ruthin Craft Centre, Arts Council of Wales and Bangor University.”