A NEW arts project to bring African culture to older people in Rugby has launched with a day of taster sessions at the Claremont Centre.
The sessions previewed Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire’s Arts Encounter project – a range of workshops for over 50s which will be held in September to December, thanks to a £14,000 grant from The Arts Council and £2,000 from Rugby Borough Council’s community grant.
Bruce Ncube ran Zimbabwean harmony singing sessions and introduced the group to African culture.
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 in the afternoon.
The Arts Encounters project aims to encourage older people to aim higher in what they can achieve artistically, showcase their work, and introduce them to African culture.
Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire hopes to recruit volunteers to support the sessions so they can continue to run clubs after the project has ended.
Email [email protected] or call Kathy Young on 01788 513 171 for more information, to volunteer, or to take part in the free workshops.