PAWS (Participatory Arts Workshops) is a scheme that sees art workers helping local groups to undertake their own art projects.

PAWS is open to application from any type of group in the villages or towns of Wiltshire who are interested in taking part in creative activities.

Artists on the scheme range from dancers to instrument makers.

Any group can benefit from the scheme, from youth groups to community associations, and application to the scheme is a straightforward letter containing details about the group and why it would benefit from PAWS.

Groups do not need any arts experience to take part in the scheme.

Earlier this year Reach Out Wiltshire successfully took part in the PAWS scheme, they were supported with funds which allowed them to work with an artist to create a mural.

Reach Out helps deal with the growing heroin problem in North Wiltshire.

They are a voluntary organisation offering support to families, friends and carers of people who have been affected by substance misuse.

They received £310 to allow some of their clients to help create a mural that has helped raise the profile of the group.

Julie Franklin, who is manager of Reach Out Wiltshire, based in Calne, says that the PAWS funding has helped the local group enormously.

"The mural has been named, 'the Journey' it has proved to be a very thought provoking and has given us the ability to raise our profile in the local community.

"The mural has been painted in four sections, which can be placed in a different order for different interpretations.

"The project, supported by North Wiltshire District Council, has been very important in creating discussion between our clients and the volunteers.

"The art work has certainly raised the profile of Reach Out Wiltshire and I would definitely recommend anyone who is thinking of applying for funding to contact the District Council."

Add your comment