Perth community group aims to help disadvantaged people

A local community group is aiming to increase the number of disadvantaged residents participating in arts and culture.

The Art in Mind project has received £1,500 from the Perth 2021 Creative Communities Fund.

The group is run by the Perth Creative Community Collaborative (Perth CCC) and is supported by volunteers and staff from NHS Tayside, Culture Perth and Kinross and Perth and Kinross Council.

Perth CCC now supports three local art groups and provides creative opportunities in the heart of local communities. The group works particularly with those most excluded from cultural activities, including people with long-term physical and mental health conditions.

The new funding will allow the group to stage a showcase event in May which will display the work of the groups, introduce more disadvantaged people to the project and secure long-term funding for the initiative. The event will follow a series of workshops that will see members create artwork based on the 2021 UK City of Culture theme.

Alison Robertson, treasurer and volunteer at Perth CCC, said: “Creativity has a positive effect on wellbeing and having regular groups for people to attend not only helps to improve their confidence in creative abilities, but also provides an important social benefit which can help reduce isolation and loneliness.

“Plans are under way for an open day in May to showcase new work based around the City of Culture theme, and local businesses will be invited to come along.”

Application forms for the fund are available at www.perth2021.com