A Lakeland Arts project which supported families during the pandemic has now won a national award.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakeland Arts launched MEND, a creative and collaborative programme with communities and organisations in Cumbria.
Through the process of making, MEND aimed to help communities repair through conversation, making and enjoyment.
MEND is now a winner in the Fantastic for Families Awards 2021 for Audience Impact and Innovation.
The awards celebrate the inspiring work from the cultural sector created during the challenges of the pandemic.
Ian Read, Lakeland Arts’ Head of Engagement and Content said: “We are thrilled that our MEND project has been recognised by Fantastic for Families.
“When the pandemic hit and we had to close all our venues, our Participation and Learning team reached out to create authentic experiences to mend objects and local communities.
“For so many, creativity has enhanced wellbeing, lifted spirits, entertained, inspired, connected people and provided an opportunity to share stories and experiences in powerful ways.
“We would like to dedicate this award to the families we have worked with across Cumbria and say thanks to Art Fund and The Granada Foundation for their support.”
MEND projects included work with Young Carers across South Lakeland, self-isolating local shielders affected by the pandemic, children and families of the Mud Wood Club and The Ulverston Food Waste Project, Kendal’s Integrated Care Communities (ICC) including Springfield Domestic Abuse Support in South Lakeland, The Lighthouse Community Mental Health Hub; Ullswater Community College and The Institute for Social Futures in the University of Lancaster.
MEND also offered a host of micro-commissions calling on artists to provide creatives resources for each of the projects.
The artists commissioned were predominantly local and included illustrator Jo Lord of Crow and Apricot for a series of nature illustrations for the Mud Wood Club, songwriter Amy Boud who created a song for the Beltane Festival at The Mud Wood Club; and illustrators Michael Plasom-Scott, Riya Jagota, Laura Bassem, Sobhi Saleh, Rebecca Frost, Megan Watson, all of whom created work for an interactive text game for Springfield Support.
