Our Zap Arts group offers a safe, supportive environment where participants make art each week rather than dwell on their problems. Sessions are free and led by professional artists with all materials and equipment provided.

Clare joined us 2 years ago, rarely communicating. Today she is mostly bubbly and talkative, producing some amazing art that has won much acclaim. She now volunteers on another project. “Thank you for running the art class, I get so much out of it.”

Zap Arts provides two workshops a week; based in Poole Park, we take advantage of the open spaces as well as working indoors. Sessions cover a range of art forms from photography to painting and printing, ceramics to sculpture. We have been here since 2013, the only group of its kind in the area. We want to keep the group going – will you help us?

Lisa has reawakened her interest in art and has recently converted her garage into a studio space. She has just been selected by ‘Outside In’ to be one of 20 artists in a 2017 regional touring exhibition. Liz has taken up a support job at a local school, and started a photography evening class. Nicky kept off her medication during her pregnancy and attributes that to the group.

Why are we crowdfunding now?
We are part way through a longer funding process to safeguard and expand Zap Arts into 2019. We need your help to give us a few more months until that process is complete and more substantial grants secure the long time running of the group.

What will your money do?
£2016 will help keep us going until then, although every £160 supports another week: anything extra will pay for more sessions.

Some Facts
1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that participation in the arts can dramatically improve health outcomes and increase wellbeing, confidence, social engagement and develop a stronger more positive sense of self.

Thank you for your help.