An art fair – organised by HND Media and Communications students based at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus - has raised funds for the Artlink Central charity.
Artlink Central - a local charity supporting arts opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, including people living with dementia or experiencing mental health issues - benefitted from the local fundraising efforts of the HND Media and Communications students who developed an art fair event held at the Stirling Campus on Thursday 18 May. The event formed part of their course which raised £170 towards ongoing work to support people experiencing mental health issues.
Crafts and photography created by the students went on sale on the day as well as a variety of cakes and biscuits available to purchase. It was an opportunity to showcase the students’ creative talents which ranged from baking by produced by catering students to work by Campus Crafts in creating tactile aprons and soft items for people living with dementia to use to reduce anxiety and offer sensory stimulation.
Artlink Central staff and volunteers were there to answer any questions about the charity. The charity was delighted to be selected by the HND students as the focus for their efforts, having had an opportunity to come in to the college recently to present on the work they do in hospital settings and in communities.
Director of Artlink Central, Kevin Harrison said:
“It was brilliant to have the support of Forth Valley College students to go towards artists working with vulnerable people supporting their wellbeing and encouraging their creativity. Many talented individuals who use our services move on to courses and opportunities at Forth Valley College and we are delighted that our future artists and designers are making the connection between our work and theirs.”