FOLKE ART

FOLKE ART

Folke Art was a two year long creative health project for adults age 55+, run by Community Art Kent CIC in partnership with Sunflower House. Folke Art ran weekly out of the Sunflower House community room on the Bayle. Over two years fifteen local artists lead sessions. In two years over 100 adults age 56-92 engaged in the project. 

Folke Art provided a much-needed accessible art class to adults in Folkestone, providing long term health and wellbeing benefits to those that took part, connecting adults living in Folkestone to artists living and working in the town as well as local creative businesses.  

Folke Art Outcomes for participants:

1. ·        Improved Mental Health

2. ·        Reduction in loneliness

3. ·        Increased sense of belonging

4. ·        Improved access to the arts

5. ·        Learning new skills

Folke Art Aims

1. ·        Provide free art classes to Adults in Folkestone

2. ·        Enable local artists to deliver workshops within the setting

3. ·        Link creatives based around the Creative Quarter to the town

4. ·        Provide supportive art classes that increase wellbeing.

5. ·        Signpost participants to other activities across the town

6. ·        Safeguard adults and provide a safe and supportive creative environment
   

Folke Art was funded by Kent County Council, NHS Kent & Medway, Folkestone & Hythe District CouncIl, Folkestone Town Council, Skinners Foundation CT, Colyer Ferguson CT and Kent Community Foundation

Year 1 Evaluation Report Evaluation Report

Folke Art facebook page can be found here

"Couple of years ago, I lost my husband and I was at a very low point.
Lucky I have two wonderful daughters and with their continuous support we are managing to come to terms with life.
To do this I knew I had to do something to fill my caring role gap. Browsing through Facebook I noticed 'Folke Art' group session and decided to send an email asking if I could join, even though I don’t have any experience in artwork. I have not done any drawing or painting or any art work since I left primary school.
I was slightly nervous walking into the room with lots of people working on their drawings.
But this feeling soon disappeared, and I started to feel comfortable meeting different people.
Most importantly, it has given me couple of hours switching off time.
My daughter has commented how happier I look after my art session. Thank you and your team for giving me the opportunity to join this group."

“It soothes my soul. I leave feeling re-charged and more positive.”

“I’ve been through a difficult year due to my husbands cancer diagnosis. The class has given me an outlet to cope with caring for him.”

“It’s the best thing that I have done. I have Asthma. This directs my thoughts in a more positive direction. It gives me great comfort.”

“I have fewer headaches, these were stress related. Attending the sessions is very calming and gives me something to look forward to.”

“I feel so relaxed at these wonderful art sessions...it makes me forget about the stresses and strains of the modern world.”