FREE arts workshops to bring African culture to older people in Rugby have launched.
Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire’s Arts Encounter project is offering a series of free dance, singing, textiles and African drumming sessions to over-50s at the Claremont Centre this autumn.
The project – funded by a £14,000 grant from The Arts Council and £2,000 from Rugby Borough Council’s community grant – aims to encourage older people to aim higher in what they can achieve artistically, showcase their work, and introduce them to African culture.
In July, a series of taster sessions took place with the four artists who will run the workshops.
Bruce Ncube ran Zimbabwean harmony singing sessions and introduced the group to African culture, and textile artist Annie Beddoe helped the group to develop a project banner using African fabrics.
Nick Ledbury brought the African beat with a rhythmical drumming session and Mary Grigg encouraged participants to move their bodies using colourful scarves for a seated dance session.
Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire hopes to recruit volunteers to support the sessions so they can continue to run clubs after the project has ended.
There will be a performance at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum to showcase participants’ work towards the end of the year.
Email [email protected] or call Kathy Young on 01788 513 171 for more information, to volunteer, or to take part in the free workshops.
