The Makers Of Stuff Squad (MOSS) are an arts collective based in Croydon. They are a group of learning disabled artists who live or work in the Croydon Borough.

With this fundraised money:

- I aim to purchase two iPads for the group.

-We will use them to train MOSS artists on using technology they couldn't be introduced to before the lockdown, and they will use it to document their work during sessions.

-We aim for these iPads to help them gain new technical skills to remain connected with each other, feel less isolated and prepared if there is a second wave of COVID-19 and another lockdown needs to happen.

-We will also practice how to remain connected via conference calls for MOSS members who cannot access the internet in their homes.

-Any remaining funds after buying the iPads will go towards art materials which can be delivered to MOSS members in isolation or for use in future workshops.

Feeling less isolated and able to continue practicing art will enable MOSS artists to manage their mental health and wellbeing positively. Any contribution you are able to give will mean so much to the collective.

Here is a little bit of further information about MOSS:

MOSS uses their space to make art as a form of social interaction, to collaborate on projects with others creatively, as self-initiated therapy, and to produce individual projects that develop their arts practice. Everyone in MOSS contributes in their studio and workshop space at Turf Projects .

During the COVID-19 lockdown period, the need for MOSS to continue their supported weekly workshop space, as well as access to their studio and materials at Turf Projects was highlighted. These valuable tools helping them to nurture their creative practice had been cut off. Between all of the MOSS artists, the lockdown also highlighted the lack of experience, knowledge or funds to access creativity through online resources. This meant that MOSS have survived the lockdown through phone calls, delivery of sanitised materials, and Zoom interactions where possible, but some artists found it difficult to stay in touch and left them feeling isolated.

As one of the facilitators of MOSS workshops, I really want to help MOSS artists to feel more empowered if another lockdown happens, and I want to rebuild their confidence to practice arts in society safely, as the nation starts to operate in 'the new normal'. To do this I'm raising money to help give us time in our next term of workshops to collectively build our tech and communication skills. I will use this money to ensure all MOSS members learn ways to access and communicate with each other as a group outside of the workshop space and give the collective a chance to regain momentum in their arts practices and confidence in their independence as arts practitioners.

I'm aiming to cycle 500 miles during August in search of moss. As an Illustrator and keen (yet novice of a) cyclist, I'd like to draw types of moss for MOSS members I hope to find along my cycle rides.

Please consider donating to support this brilliant art collective.

Throughout August I'll be posting updates about some members of MOSS and their work, plus my illustrated MOSS sketches.

To find out more, visit:

http://turf-projects.com/moss/

https://www.instagram.com/mossatturf/