Arts project targets "bus pass people"

Writers and community activists Ray Hearne and Brian Lewis set up Active Arts and the Bus-pass People to gather together isolated artists in the Rotherham area.

They say it’s great to see young artists in whatever genre, developing themselves and their work, gaining recognition, success and popular support and laying down the foundations for a long career along their chosen path, but insist the world of the arts is not solely a sphere for young people.

Wath-based writer, songmaker, performer and broadcaster Ray said: “For some of us getting to 60 is only the beginning of our life as an artist, be it writer, painter, sculptor or dabbler.

“But if you look around for support on how to further yourself and your work, it’s thin on the ground.

“Usually you're on your own, and it can be an isolating experience.

“How do you improve? How do you get known? How do you publicise your work? How do you get it seen or listened to? How do you learn to appear more professional?”

With support from the Arts Council England, the pair have launched the project to try to change the situation in Rotherham.

They are looking for beginners or old hands, to share experiences, identify development needs, raise profiles and explore through exhibitions, publications or any other ways of celebrating their work and increasing audiences.

The aim is to link up Rotherham with Pontefract, where painter, exhibition organiser and writer Brian, who co-authored a book on legendary Rotherham communist Tommy James, is based.

Ray went on: “People over 60 are written off by the Arts Council by virtue of its applications process.

“A large proportion are disenfranchised as they’re not IT-savvy.

“We want to get people collaborating to bring together issues such as what kind of things confront a creative person over 60.

“The main priority of the Arts Council is to work with emerging artists so we said: ‘Don't you think when people finish full time work they will start to emerge?’

“People emerge at any age - the older the better.

“We’ll meet perhaps half a dozen times between now and the end of March, do a few imagination-warming exercises to energise ourselves, organise a few things and draw up a possible plan for how to advance ourselves in the coming year as Rotherham artists.

“We’ll also work on ways of linking up with another group in doing exactly the same thing.

“Between us we’ll end up with a lively and memorable agenda for action.

“It won’t cost a penny and most of all it’ll be great fun."

One technique used to get people started is to ask them to write The Book in Eight Minutes, by writing down as much as they can about themselves in that time.

There will also a chance to find out what a “concertina book” is when it's at home or write an alphabetical history of your community or your own life and maybe even paint it.

Brian and Ray have worked together and with others many times, as far away as India.

Ray added: “We are enthusiastic about the possibilities of grassroots arts. “We remain angry that so much talent is ignored and neglected. We are both over 60. We like creating ripples.”

For information contact Ray on 07903 241947.