Work in Progress: Mini-Documentary
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WHO ARE WE?
Work in Progress is an inclusive performing arts group for adults aged 18+ that puts positive mental health and well-being at the heart of everything we do. We make friends, learn new skills, connect with our emotions, and HAVE FUN!
OUR STORY SO FAR…
In the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, amidst all of the confusion and fear, two friends felt the need to do something proactive. Toby and Leslie, our Co-Founders, watched in dismay and horror as community arts groups closed their doors right when people needed connect with others the most. Of course those doors were closed in order to keep people safe, however the sad truth was that Toby and Leslie knew that many of those doors wouldn't reopen.
Toby and Leslie had collaborated on different projects for many years in the past and they knew they shared the same vision... so they decided to create an inclusive performing arts group that focused on fun, friendship, expression, and of course positive mental health!
Covid has had a huge impact on us in so many ways. Most of us are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, depression, grief, and more. Sometimes all people need is a creative way to connect with others as well as with their own emotions. Active involvement in the performing arts improves people’s mental health and well-being by helping them become healthier — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The arts also play a key role in the regeneration of areas whose residents are disadvantaged economically, socially, and culturally. Work in Progress is based in the centre of the most socially and financially challenged wards in Rhyl, one of the most deprived areas in Wales.
We held a pilot project in 2022 where our members explored many areas of the performing arts: singing/solos, devised drama scenes, dance/movement, poetry and spoken word. We held a Sharing in November for invited guests. We even held an art exhibition to highlight other ways our members express themselves.
Our guests left us some written feedback. Here are some of the written comments out guests left us after our first Sharing:
- "This has to be one of the most inclusive, fun, and non-judgemental performing groups I’ve ever come across."
- "It helped me understand my feelings during lockdown."
- "More people need to know about this group."
- "For a group that has only been meeting for the last 10 weeks, the camaraderie and connection between them all was incredible."
- "It made me think about my own feelings and helped me to realise that I am not alone."
WHAT’S NEXT FOR WORK IN PROGRESS?
Following this very successful Sharing in November, we have been fortunate to have received funding from the Arts Council of Wales. This will enable us to take Work in Progress even further! We will be able to engage several Visiting Guest Artists and hold a public Sharing in a fully accessible theatre in the heart of Denbighshire, lining with World Mental Health Day. Leading up to our this members are working weekly with our Artistic Director exploring singing, acting, dance and movement, spoken word, and sign language.
THEN WE HAD ANOTHER IDEA…!
We've also been fortunate to have been able to work with local filmmaker and photographer Rob Grey from Rad Stuff Photo Video. He's visited a few of our sessions and has taken some great images and videos. He describes himself as "chill yet professional" and we couldn't agree more!
Rob is a North Wales photographer and filmmaker who really put our members at ease. Not everyone feels comfortable knowing they're being photographed, and one of our members was particularly nervous. Rob quietly spoke with them personally and showed them how his camera worked and even let them take photos of him! Taking time to explain what, why, and how he was doing things made a huge difference!
It’s been so cool having him with us!
Rob has captured enough footage to give us some great photos and a little 'behind the scenes' video, but WE WANT MORE! We're hoping to find more funding so we can have Rob visit us more throughout the year as well as film our Sharing in October.
We're so proud of our members and we think the world should see what they're achieving together!
We would be able to create a short documentary about our journey this year to share on our website, social media, and use for other promotional purposes. The film would help us continue to grow by spreading the word to more potential members and supporters. It would also be used to connect with possible partners and sponsors. All of this would mean that we’d be able to continue to offer exciting opportunities, sessions, and workshops for our members in a fun, accepting, safe space.
HELP BUILD THE FUTURE OF WORK IN PROGRESS!
If you would like to help us reach our goal, please donate. No amount is too small and every amount makes a big difference!
We are all a Work in Progress. Together we can do so much!
Thank you!
We have now launched our website where there is more information about what we do. Head over to www.workinprogressrhyl.co.uk
Rad Stuff Photo Video’s website: http://www.radstuffphotovideo.com/
Fundraising team (2)
Toby Fagan
Organizer
Wales
Work In Progress
Beneficiary
Leslie Churchill Ward
Team member