Over the last year I've been fortunate enough to be able to volunteer and spend time at a place called Core Arts. What initially began as a nine week internship quickly became a deepening love and commitment to an innovative place and it's people.
Core Arts is a charity based in Hackney which promotes the arts and artists in an array of genres, including music, creative writing, painting, drawing, printmaking, vocal coaching, music production and mixing, textiles, pottery, casting, gardening, and the list goes on and on. These amazing artist and performers also happen to have enduring mental health issues and have sought out Core as a place of refuge, growth, transformation, transcendence, community, and strength through the development and expression of artistic inclinations. Not only does Core offer classes and workshops, it also holds regular gallery exhibitions, concerts and open mic nights, as well as artist promotion. Core is also an advocate for awareness and education in the UK as a means to breakdown stereotypes and stigmas surrounding mental health.
I can honestly say that I have been changed by the people at Core and am so sad to see my time there come to an end. I feel so blessed to have been a part of this community and the lives of it's members.
The video below says more about Core than I ever could, as it is true representation of the heart and soul of the organization and it's members. I hope you see what was immediately evident to me and share a small bit of the LOVE I have in my heart for this incredible place.
