HOPE CIRENCESTER

The Arts Society Corinium has approved a charitable grant for Hope Cirencester in 2025.

The charitable grant will enable Hope Cirencester to continue to deliver their weekly ‘Exploring The Arts’ sessions at the Salvation Army Hall for a further year. The weekly sessions during term time are run by Bernie Mann and have been going since 2021.

The Exploring The Arts sessions demonstrate to attendees different artistic techniques and crafts and attendees are encouraged to practice what they learn. The sessions cover, amongst many other aspects, drawing techniques, painting techniques, colour mixing and collage. In the past there have also been talks given by Lecturers from Cirencester College regarding watercolours, Mandala dotting and weaving and visits to Bingham Gallery.

The sessions aim to broaden a general awareness of art and to encourage participation in artistic endeavours amongst those who might not otherwise have that opportunity. Also, the sessions are able to promote a sense of community and belonging amongst those that attend.

A representative of The Arts Society Corinium will attend a future Exploring the Arts session in the near future.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Hope-Cirencester/100064682589523/

A visit was conducted on 16 September 2025 to observe the weekly art sessions run by Hope Cirencester.   The grant provided by The Arts Society Corinium has enabled these vital sessions to continue for another year.   The session was a vibrant display of creativity and community, with ten regular attendees engaging enthusiastically in their chosen projects.  The atmosphere was notably energised and positive, highlighting the significant social and creative value these sessions hold for participants.

For well over a decade, Hope Cirencester has provided a welcoming space for individuals with support needs to socialise and express themselves through art.  The organisation's long-standing facilitator is Bernie Harding who’s approach empowers attendees by allowing them to choose their own projects and creative direction.

During the visit, the creative diversity of the group was immediately apparent. Participants were engaged in a variety of personal projects, reflecting Bernie Harding's philosophy of creative autonomy.   Examples included:

-   Several attendees focussing on intricate 'Diamond' paintings.

-  One individual producing drawings on an iPad.

-  Another attendee decorating a wooden picture frame with decals.

- Another carefully painting a cardboard box which was to be converted into a picture frame.

During the session the ten participants showed a strong sense of camaraderie and familiarity, sharing jokes and banter as they worked.  The sessions clearly provide more than just an opportunity for art; they foster a strong sense of community and personal pride.  The participants' engagement and enthusiasm for their work was impressive.  They were proud to show both their current projects and previous artwork to the visiting representative. The consistent theme expressed by attendees was the importance of these weekly art sessions in their lives, highlighting their role in promoting well-being and social connection.