WHEN Dr Sharon Williams came into contact with a young woman from Ukraine who had lost all her art materials in a bombing, the Southend woman knew she had to help.
Fast forward and Dr Williams - who is the artistic director for the award winning N-Act Theatre - is about to launch an arts festival in Southend City, with the aim of welcoming refugees into the creative community.
Dr Williams said: "It all started because a friend posted a piece of artwork, (pictured), made by a 19-year-old called Vladyslava Zabielina.
"Vladyslava had come to live in Southend with her mum and dad. She had lost all her own art materials because her home in Ukraine was bombed.
"My husband died in December and I decided to gift Vladyslava his artwork materials. So she cried, and I cried... I was happy to help.
"It then got me thinking that there must be so many other people who have come to live in Southend away from a horrendous situation, who are perhaps creative in some way, who have perhaps also lost their belongings.
"Whether they want to stay permanently or temporarily - because they want to go back home - I thought it would be great to introduce these people to the creative community of Southend City.
"One of the things about being creative, is it creates a safe space, whether you are into making music, or photography, or painting... people can switch off and immerse themselves in their practice so I think it's such an important thing to have."
The Connected Arts Festival is to take place on Saturday November 5 and Sunday November 6 from 10am – 4pm, upstairs at the Victoria Arts Shopping Centre, Southend.
Dr Williams added: " The event is being opened by Anna Firth MP. There will be over 25 stalls and workshops which will be running throughout the two days.
"It will include exhibitions from local artists and creatives, live creative activities - both to watch and take part in, the opportunity to talk to writers, artists, musicians about their work, workshops for young people to join in with, story-telling, creative technology movement and more!"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel