‘Intergenerational practice aims to bring people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities which promote greater understanding and respect between generations and contributes to building more cohesive communities. Intergenerational practice is inclusive, building on the positive resources that young and old have to offer each other and those around them’  The Beth Johnson Foundation, 2009 www.bjf.org.uk

This intergenerational project aims to bring young (under 25s) and older (over 50) people together to engage in positive activities that are of benefit to their local community.

The Company of Voices is a cross-sector partnership which will promote cohesion in communities so that older and younger people can improve the extent to which they:

•  value and respect one another;
•  feel safe and secure in their community;
• are able to speak about their issues and views;
• have opportunities to come together to make a difference in their community;
• enjoy healthy, active and fulfilling lives.  

SAW welcomes the opportunity to work with these important groups using ‘Making Matters’ as catalyst to open up new participation in the community.

Older people in the communities of Somerset hold a wealth of creative skills to share and pass on to young people.  Young people also hold skills they can share with the older generation.  This, in turn, promotes the values and skills of making as a means of self-expression and improved self-esteem across all ages and abilities.  Working together on a creative project is a great way for people to talk, get to know each other and break down barriers. 

‘Making as a process or series of processes is often undervalued. And yet making develops a wide range of skills, feeds creative thought and action, results in our being productive in the best possible sense, and is vital to the economic and cultural development of our society.’ Paula Bale, Access Arts.

We are delivering a series of intergenerational projects in Somerset during 2010-2011.

Our Making Matters projects include:

Making Matters at Carymoor Environmental Centre -  Sculpture Project

Local artist Fiona Campbell worked with intergenerational volunteers at Carymoor Environmental Centre during the summer of 2010.  Through the medium of visual arts, volunteers developed an environmental themed sculpture project to raise the profile of the charity’s valuable work.  

View the project blog to follow the work of the intergenerational volunteers 
http://carymoorartproject.blogspot.com/
You are invited to the Carymoor Open Day on Saturday 25 September, see the sculpture, learn about the work at Carymoor.  See Art Weeks Guide page 3 for details.

Making Matters at Victoria Park Community Centre Cafe, Bridgwater

34 people local people came together to explore ideas and create permanent art works for the new-build community centre café.  The older and younger people worked closely with lead artist Julie Roberts to develop the art work which adds colour and character to the community space and encourages a sense of ownership within the local community. 
Click here to visit the Victoria Park Making Matters project blog, lots of great pictures to document this community led project.
Project showcase on display during Somerset Art Weeks 2010, see Art Weeks Guide page 3 for details.

Making Matters Archive Project at the Regal Theatre, Minehead

SAW has been working with The Regal Theatre and West Somerset Community College on an archive project led by Minehead artist Andy Davey.  Theatre memorabilia has been collected from homes, attics and private collections, inspiring the intergenerational volunteers to create art work to be displayed throughout Somerset Art Weeks.   You are invited to view the project showcase throughout Somerset Art Weeks 2010,  evening celebration event Thurs 30 Sept 6.30 - 7.30pm, see Art Weeks Guide page 3 for details.

Making Matters Photography Workshops with Somerset Rural Youth Project

Working with Somerset Rural Youth Project (SRYP), SAW has developed an intergenerational photographic project in South Somerset.  Volunteers have worked with Somerset artist Rick Crane to learn new skills in photography and work towards an exhibition at the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil.  Come and see the work Mon-Sat 12-5pm, plus performance evenings during Somerset Art Weeks, see page 3 of guide for info.

Making Matters with the RSPB Great Crane Project

This Making Matters project is currently in planning stages. SAW is developing an arts and community strand to this exciting RSPB project to re-introduce the Great Cranes to the Somerset levels http://www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk/