To help create community artwork for the town’s public buildings, Cathartic Community Interest Company (CIC) have been using £8,773.80 in funding from Watford Borough Council's Neighbourhood Grant...
Cathartic C.I.C. - a creative arts organisation - enriches people's lives through imaginative and stimulating art programmes which help address happiness, resilience, rehabilitation, loneliness, isolation or integration, inspiring confidence, and artistic ability. Their bespoke, dynamic arts workshops are available for everyone in the community, from the youngest service user, under one year old, to the oldest, an astonishing 102.
Funding from the Neighbourhood Grant has gone towards the equipment needed to create the high-quality, sustainable and long-lasting artwork, which explore themes of equality, diversity, survival, legacy, memorial, and community, among others. It will also enable ongoing creative experiences and skill development for participants and service users for years to come.
The artwork is being created by those facing challenging circumstances, such as those with life-limiting illnesses, dementia, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, those receiving long-term Dialysis treatment, domestic abuse survivors, Ukrainian refugees, and bereaved children and teenagers. For those taking part, it has been incredibly enriching, exciting, and transformative.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "I am thrilled to support Cathartic CIC's community artwork project. The creative opportunities this new equipment will provide will be incredibly enriching.
"The artwork will provide a significant contribution to our vibrant town and create a lasting legacy of the wonderful work that Cathartic CIC does."
Cathartic C.I.C.'s founders and directors, Maria Todesco and Nicky Day, said: "We want to say the biggest thank you for the Neighbourhood Grant funding support. We feel incredibly fortunate to work with some of the best of humanity, and your support to further this creative work is so greatly appreciated.
“Creating public artworks for Watford with this equipment will be a catalyst to bring vulnerable people together, to nurture their self-esteem, and to be a part of a community making their creative mark on our vibrant town. The impact on their self-esteem, sense of worth, and local pride will be extraordinary."
The next round of funding for the Neighbourhood Grant will be in open for applications again in autumn 2023, however, you can email NCIL@watford.gov.uk if you want to find out more in advance. To read more about the projects, please visit watfordneighbourhoodgrant.commonplace.is.
