nesa
nesa works with partners, artists and communities to develop and deliver high quality socially engaged arts.
We are a small charity based in Church Street in Radstock but work across Bath & North East Somerset and surrounding areas. nesa was formerly known as North East Somerset Arts, but we changed our name as our projects and influence grew out of the geographic area referred to in the old name, and became the sleeker, snappier named creative community development agency nesa.
We work across three main areas: Neighbourhood Arts, Arts & Health and Young People & Creativity, working closely with groups to deliver projects that have a real impact on people’s lives and enable positive change.
We work with partners from public and voluntary sectors to fundraise and manage the projects, finding appropriate grant funds, engaging suitably qualified artists and delivering the programme of work, creating successful art projects on both short and long-term basis, but always with vision for community development.
For more information on any of our projects, please visit our website or contact us 01761 437251, or by email
NEIGHBOURHOOD ARTS
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nesa believes that quality arts practice is a powerful tool for neighbourhood regeneration and personal transformation. The Neighbourhood Arts programme develops and delivers high quality participatory arts projects that enable excluded individuals to focus on their own creativity or to collaborate creatively to change their circumstances and surroundings. We bring together people who might not ordinarily meet, help them find common strengths, goals and interests and develop their skills and confidence. In so doing, we help to reconnect them with their communities and promote social cohesion and renewal.
“nesa plays an important role in our community by giving people of all ages the opportunity to express themselves through art. nesa has been working with the community for many years and reaching out to all age groups. I wish them well in exploring new ways to expand the excellent service they give to Bath & NE Somerset residents. Norton Radstock Town Council and Bath & NE Somerset Council support the important work that nesa undertakes.”
Cllr Phyllis Gay – Chairman of B&NES Council (05/06)
ARTS & HEALTH
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nesa delivers a package of creative projects which directly enhance people’s health and well-being. We work in partnership with a range of statutory and voluntary sector organisations to develop exemplary arts projects which address specific health issues and inequalities and tackle some of the Government’s key health priorities. This work aims to:
enhance psychological and emotional well-being
promote active lifestyles and improve physical fitness
increase awareness of specific health issues and healthy life-styles
raise self-esteem and self-confidence
“As academia continues its search for an acceptable method of measuring the impact of the arts on health and its cost-benefit analysis, thank goodness for nesa, who boldly forge on, confident that participatory arts can and does change lives. Their deep faith in the inherent value of the work inspires us to develop the model into other public health arenas”
Jo Lewitt, Mental Health Promotion Specialist, Bath & North East Somerset Primary Care Trust
YOUNG PEOPLE
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nesa consults with young people to find out what they want and what they need. We work with young participants to design and deliver projects that motivate and inspire them and offer opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, raise their self-esteem, gain a sense of community, develop citizenship, identity and purpose, realise their creative potential and have fun.
Over an average year nesa works with over 400 young people in 10 venues across B&NES, in 31 projects across the creative arts disciplines, delivering over 100 sessions with 1500 admissions. We employ fifteen professional artists to work with young people and enable over 100 new pieces of artwork to be produced.
nesa strives to enable young people to live life to the full and experience the arts and creativity as a cultural journey in a safe and supportive environment. We aim to increase access, inclusion and social enterprise, to enable a voice for young people and seek to meet the challenges of their needs.
Free banner making workshops!
Time to shout about the creative place you live in!
Do you fancy seeing your handiwork displayed proudly and prominently in the centre of Bath during as part of the big festivals this spring and summer?
nesa is inviting residents of Radstock and Peasedown to join Timsbury artist Philippa Forsey and contribute to making big, colourful fabric banners to be exhibited outside in central Bath during the International Music Festival and Fringe festival – when they will be seen by thousands of people.
The theme is ‘Creative Places' to go with nesa's current major project. Participants are invited to bring along an idea or an image which shows how interesting and creative an area they live in. Using fabric painting and dyeing you will be able to help make a huge artwork.
The banners will be up for ‘Party in the City', the opening night of the Music Festival when all manner of free, fun and exciting things will be happening around the city, and will remain in place throughout the festivals.
Suitable for all – families welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring an old shirt as you might get messy!
FREE
Monday 14th April, 10am – 12 noon and 1-3pm.
Whisty Hall, Walnut Buildings, Tyning, Radstock.
Tuesdays 22nd and 29th April, 1-3pm (in association with Peasedown Opportunity Project)
Peasedown Youth Centre, Bath Road, Peasedown St John
Monday 28th April, 11.30 onwards (until 3pm)
The Lamb pub function room, Chapel Road, Clandown
To reserve places please call nesa on (01761) 437251 or e-mail info@nesacreativechange.org.uk
