Show off handiwork at libraries
LANCASHIRE libraries are taking part in a national campaign and inviting everyone to get involved, be creative and have fun.
The 64 Million Artists campaign is running for the rest of the month in libraries across the county.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative aims to support visitors to the library to feel inspired to express themselves creatively every day.
People can join in as a group, a couple, with colleagues, families or friends.
People can also take part on their own, but it is more fun to take part with others.
Every day, those taking part will get a challenge by email, or can follow the programme on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
The Do, Think, Share challenges range from drawing, singing, dancing, writing, exploring, cooking, looking and making.
The challenge is free to take part in and participants will receive a short, creative task every day.
Each task should only take 10 minutes to complete and is designed so that any materials that are needed are easy to find, for example, pens and paper.
County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “We’re taking part in this national campaign so that people can treat themselves and start each day with 10 minutes of creativity.
“January is traditionally a month when people can feel a bit flat, so this campaign is a chance to indulge in some creative fun, which is free and easy to take part in.
“People can have a go in our libraries, or at home, and we hope that they will share their creativity with us.
“The task could be to draw the view from your window, or dance around your kitchen, or go for a walk with no actual destination in mind when you set off.
“Just do the task, think about what it was like, and then share it with others.
“Hopefully people will feel supported to be comfortable to use creativity to express themselves, get a bit more of a spring in their step, or connect better with those around them.
“People don’t have to be good at the task they are doing, it is simply about try- ing it out, and having a go.’’
Cllr Buckley added: “Importantly, it’s a chance just to have some fun.”
Anyone can share what they are doing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or by visiting dothinkshare.com, using the hashtag #64MillionArtists and #TheJanuaryChallenge. People can also set up their own WhatsApp group to take part.
More information and the link to sign up to The 64 Million Artists campaign is at: http://64millionartists.com/the-january-challenge-2018
Call in at your local library to find out more about The 64 Million Artists campaign, the events and activities.
Also, you can follow the 64 Million Artists campaign on Twitter: https://twitter. com/64M_Artists and Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/64millionartists
Alternatively, visit www.lancashire. gov.uk/libraries, call 0300 123 6703 or follow the Facebook page at: https:// www.facebook.com/lancslibraries and Twitter: https://twitter.com/lancspublib
Anyone who lives or works in Lancashire can join a library, either online or by visiting in person, free of charge.