Artists are inspiring minds in Salford to keep creative during lockdown

Salford artists are using their Instagram platform to provide art-based challenges during quarantine with hopes of bringing benefits to wellbeing.

The Start Inspiring Minds project offers two weekly challenges for budding Salford artists – themed drawing on Mondays and creative photography on Tuesdays.

Rachel Jones, the social occupational therapist at Start Inspiring Minds, said: “We use creativity to support people with their mental health.

“When social distancing was introduced, we wanted to adapt our activities so people could still be creative at home.

Wanting to still retain that sense of community and group work, they noticed the potential of using their social media: “We felt that our social media channels could add a dimension of ‘doing it together’ and the sharing of experience that happens in a studio environment.”

This week’s photography challenge is looking for reflection themed photos

Rachel said: “Both challenges use everyday materials and can be done at home.

“We might be a bit bored of being in the same space at the moment, so the challenges invite people to look a bit differently at our homes or to really take notice whilst we’re out on our daily exercises.”

Plenty of creative outputs have occurred due to these fun projects.

She said: “We’ve had some great feedback from members who have said that the challenges have given them the prompt to do something creative at home and inspired them to develop their own artistic style.”

An example of the ‘Shadows’ photography challenge by https://www.instagram.com/helnf/

Start also offers a ‘Member’s Hub’ on its website which includes various video tutorials from a wonderful team of artist tutors.

From shaving foam marbling to fabric flowers and windowsill gardening.

Here’s are some helpful tips to keep creative:

Sam Burdis · Top Tips to Stay Creative During Lockdown!

(audio used: “Duck Pond” by scottholmesmusic.com under the Creative Commons License)

It’s not too late to join in the art challenges, follow @startinsalfordart on Instagram and look out for the weekly posts. To find out more about ‘Start Inspiring Minds’, have a look at the website: https://www.startinspiringminds.org.uk/

Thank you to Helen and Start Inspiring Minds for letting us use their images.