Back row: Ross and Liddell senior property manager Mark Hazlewood, artist and tutor Liz Crombie, WHALE Arts project co ordinator Sarah Walker. Front row: Kenneth Richie, support worker John Wireko, Tommy Hall.
A local innovative visual arts group, based at WHALE Arts, which supports adults with disabilities and mental health issues has received funding from Ross and Liddell’s Community Bursary Scheme.
smART CRAFT, run through WHALE Arts Agency, is a recipient of the company’s 2014 initiative, which gives financial support to community organisations across the country.
The group, which is based in Wester Hailes, gives adults with additional support and complex needs the opportunity to express their creative and artistic talents in the form of visual arts. Their artwork ranges from drawing and painting to creating pieces with textiles, clay and more. The group recently presented their work at the Gallery on the Corner in an exhibition titled “Creative Release”.
Group members attend with support workers under the supervision of artist Liz Crombie and key support worker Dawn Borthwick.
The funding from Ross and Liddell will be used to purchase materials for the group’s forthcoming exhibition.
Sarah Walker, WHALE Arts Project Coordinator said:
We are delighted to receive funding from Ross and Liddell’s Community Bursary Scheme.
Members of the group are busy preparing for a summer exhibition which will showcase the art they have been working on over the last few months. This event is an amazing source of focus and motivation for the group and everyone is enjoying working together as we build our collection.
Our group is the only one like this in the area – so it is a vital resource. Alongside the artistic and creative element, the group provides an opportunity for social interaction and communication.
The funding will help us to continue with the service we provide to members and to build and develop the activities on offer.
Ross and Liddell specialises in property management and maintenance, as well as providing a comprehensive range of residential and commercial services, including sales, lettings, surveying and insurance.
Now in its fourth year, the Community Bursary Scheme was launched to provide support to organisations that make a vital difference in their community.
The cheque was presented by Ross and Liddell senior property manager Mark Hazlewood, former resident of the area.
Irene Devenny, managing director of Ross and Liddell, said:
The bursary has really gone from strength to strength and the number of entries that we received for the 2014 scheme was fantastic.
smART CRAFT is a fantastic group – it provides people living with mental health and disability issues with the opportunity to develop a whole range of life skills. It’s vitally important that organisations like this have access to funding sources to help them continue their work in the local community.
We are thrilled to offer our support and know that the money will be used to support members of the group in their artistic and creative development.
For more information on smART CRAFT visit www.whalearts.co.uk
