Impact Arts, a leading arts charity in Scotland, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a display in the heart of Glasgow. Since its establishment in 1994 by Susan Aktemel, Impact Arts has been dedicated to using art to tackle social inequality and improve the lives of vulnerable individuals. Over the past three decades, the charity has made a significant impact through various projects that have brought art to communities across Scotland.
Impactful Projects
One of the most notable projects by Impact Arts is the Woodlands Mosaic Bollards on West Princess Street in Woodlands, created in 1997. These ceramic bollards have brightened up a dead-end street, adding color and vibrancy to the neighborhood. Another enduring project is the Linkes Mosaic Mural in Knightswood, designed in 2005, which has become a landmark in the area. Additionally, the stained glass windows at Pineview Housing Association in Drumchapel, also from 2005, showcase the charity’s commitment to using art to transform spaces and uplift communities.
The organization has also organized a variety of events, including theatre shows and gigs featuring artists like Amy Macdonald. These events have attracted over 300,000 participants, highlighting the widespread engagement with Impact Arts’ projects. From creating murals on gable ends in Clydebank to transforming underpasses in Dalmuir, the charity’s work has left a lasting impression on communities across Scotland.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges
Despite its successes, Impact Arts recognizes the growing mental health crisis among young people as a pressing issue that needs attention. Fiona Doring, the charity’s chief executive, emphasizes the importance of providing support and intervention for individuals struggling with mental ill-health. Impact Arts has a contract to deliver art therapy in every primary school in Glasgow, aiming to address the rising levels of anxiety among young people.
Doring notes the shift in focus from solely helping individuals enter the job market to now supporting a broader range of needs, including mental health and wellbeing. The charity’s projects use art and creativity as tools to transform lives, enhance employability, and foster connections within communities. Impact Arts runs programs for various demographic groups, including young parents, children who have experienced trauma, and older individuals facing isolation, demonstrating its commitment to supporting those most in need.
Empowering Communities Through Art
One of Impact Arts’ successful initiatives is the Make It Your Own program, formerly known as Fab Pad, which pairs vulnerable tenants with artists to enhance their living spaces. By working with interior designers, individuals who have experienced homelessness can personalize and sustain their tenancies, creating a sense of ownership and pride in their homes. This program exemplifies Impact Arts’ approach to empowering individuals and communities through art.
In addition to its work in Glasgow, Impact Arts has expanded its presence to Edinburgh and Ayrshire, where new projects are underway. Collaborating with organizations like Sustrans, the charity is involved in transforming public spaces and enhancing the urban environment through art. For instance, a project in Irvine will see the creation of a mural on a riverside underpass, engaging young artists from Impact Arts’ programs and promoting art as a viable career path.
Doring emphasizes the importance of art in addressing social issues and creating positive change. She hopes that the exhibition at the charity’s headquarters will serve as a platform to reconnect with individuals who have benefited from Impact Arts’ support over the years. By showcasing the organization’s achievements and sharing stories of impact, the exhibition serves as a celebration of the charity’s 30 years of making a difference through art.
In conclusion, Impact Arts has played a significant role in using art as a tool for social change and community empowerment in Scotland. Through its innovative projects, partnerships with local organizations, and commitment to addressing pressing issues like mental health, the charity continues to make a positive impact on individuals of all ages. As Impact Arts celebrates its 30th anniversary, it looks towards the future with a renewed dedication to transforming lives through art and creativity.