FIRST HOPEPUNK ON TOUR A GREAT SUCCESS
Our first #HopePunk Tour has come to an end but people continue to use creativity for health.
In April 2022, 42 artists have formed the HopePunk Collective. Taking over 2 floors of the fantastic space that is LTB Showrooms in Coventry, they showcased 167 artworks expressing what hope means to them.
For the whole of October, we have partnered with Sitting Rooms of Culture based in Coventry Indoor Market to display selection of the works, celebrating people overcoming health challenges with action, creativity and hope. Feedback from visitors included:
“Really interesting and inspiring stories and great artworks. All full of hope.”
“The therapeutic benefit of art is plain to see both the work itself and in the faces of participants. Well done all!”
Although this HopePunk tour has ended, the artists have continued to use creativity to take care of their health and wellbeing.
Karen Wightman participated in our Hope Programme for people living with long COVID.
“Having contact with other humans who completely understand the difficulties and issues facing me on a daily basis plus actually being able to talk and be listened to has been priceless.
It has helped me change my mindset from ‘existing not living, back to the ‘Hope’ of eventually’ living’ a full life again.”
For HopePunk, Karen wrote a poem inspired by her granddaughter which you can read here.
Karen continues to write and has written this beautiful poem about hope.
Another one of our HopePunk Artists, Gwen Crockford began her journey with art in July 2020, during the first lockdown. She participated in our Hope Programme for Carers though Carers Matter Norfolk.
“I use art as a way of participating in mindfulness, but I also use it as an escapism. I do watercolour art mainly as well as using other mix media such as acrylics and pastels. I get a lot of enjoyment and peace when I am doing my art and it feels like I am in my own little world.”
Gwen has continued to paint, including this piece showcasing her own interpretation of ‘Hope’.
You can view more of Gwen’s art here.
If you didn’t get a chance to stop by our tour, you can always view all of our HopePunk Artists online here.
What does hope mean to you? Are you creative? Do you use creativity to look after your well-being? Let us know! Tweet us @HOPE4TC or tag us on Facebook @hopeselfmanagement.
If you are interested in hosting HopePunk on tour, be it in a gallery, community space or an office, to raise awareness of the benefits of art for the health and well-being of people living with long-term conditions or carers, get in touch with us at hopepunk@h4c.org.uk.