‘It’s been a difficult year’. It’s a comment we have all heard during the Covid19 global pandemic and its impact has been greatest for those already on the edges - the cut out and cut off. Unable to gather vulnerable people have become even more isolated and, shielding at home, rural folk have been unable to enjoy the beautiful countryside on their doorstep. As we slowly begin to step outside again we want to make sure that vulnerable, isolated people are not forgotten and have the opportunity to connect and reconnect with themselves and others.

So as project director and lead artist for 'A Wing And A Prayer’ - a project set in the wilds of Minsmere in Suffolk that aims to give art and creativity to everyone - I’m keen to raise funds for Suffolk Artlink alongside my friend and project supporter Kate Axon, who is also a trustee of this Charity. 

We know that Art changes lives and that creativity takes us out of doing into being. It connects us with ourselves and others, fostering a sense of purpose and of place. We think it is more important than ever that everyone has access to this power to grow, which is why we would like you to support the work of Suffolk Artlink.

Suffolk Artlink is an inspirational local charity that has brought joy and creativity to over 17,000 people in the last 10 years. From the belly laughs brought on by Clown round in Children’s hospital wards, to visions of Utopia in Brave Art and villagers coming together over what is important to them about where they live through poetry; Suffolk Artlink enriches lives.

No-one says it better than Andreas, a Brave Art student, who during lockdown painted word pebbles and left them on neighbour's doorsteps so they didn’t feel alone. He said about his experiences of Brave Art: “Coming here has inspired me to follow my dreams, try new things and make things happen”.

If you’d like to hear Andreas talking about his experiences watch this BBC News clip  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-suffolk-54264749

If you want to support Andreas and others like him please give a little - or a lot. 

• £10 buys art materials to bring laughter to children in hospital
• £50 covers the cost of hiring a space to bring people together to get creative and make friends
• £120 pays for a professional artist to lead a workshop that brings old and young together
  
• £375 covers the costs of delivering one week of our Brave Art course for adults with learning disabilities. 
  

And if you can’t make a donation at the moment please spread the word about the work of Suffolk Artlink.

I was lucky enough to be absorbed in the making of the artwork called "A Wing And A Prayer" throughout the first half of 2020 when life was otherwise devoid of many of the connections that sustain us. With so many people not yet able to go and see the piece in its beautiful new home at Minsmere we made a film. You can watch the film on youtube:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvCQaPfwgCE&feature=youtu.be

Or on the project website:  www.awingandaprayer.org.uk

Thank you for spending time on this page and reading about the contribution Suffolk Artlink makes to the quality of people’s lives.