A creative arts project in Kirklees will celebrate the life and work of Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko.
The project will bring together refugees, community volunteers and the Ukrainian community to make puppets, masks, textiles, music and dances for a spectacular parade and performance at Holmfirth Arts Festival on June 15 and at Dewsbury Town Hall on June 22.
Arts charity 6 million+ is bringing together people from all walks of life for a spectacular new outdoor parade and indoor performance, based on the life and work of the famous Ukrainian artist in celebration of the charity’s tenth anniversary.
Maria Prymachenko was a prolific and highly celebrated artist who painted vivid images of flowers, people, plants, birds and beasts.
She endured many hardships in her lifetime and her work has become symbolic of the suffering faced in Ukraine with her paintings acting as global icons in the call for peace.
6 Million + has successfully raised money from supporters on crowdfunding platform Spacehive and from grants from The Brelms Trust, One Community, Holmfirth Arts Festival and Kirklees Council and look forward to launching the project this month.
Project leader Adam Strickson said: “I would like to thank our many friends who supported our crowdfunding campaign. We have been truly touched by their generosity and to the grant funders who have got behind this project with great enthusiasm.
“We are now able to offer a programme of workshops free to adults and children over 10 years that give opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together and be creative.
“We are busily writing songs and preparing fabulous materials ready for the workshops. We really hope that people will enjoy the chance to take part. Please sign up online in advance if possible as places are limited.”
Workshops will be led by professional artists from different cultural backgrounds including puppet and costume maker Naomi Parker-Blackburn, artist and poet Adam Strickson, Ukrainian singer and dancer Natalia Mirckun (British Ukrainian Friendship Association), performer and multi-instrumentalist Andy Burton (Satellite Arts) and dancer Kali Chandrasegaram (Balbir Singh Dance Company).
Refugees from all cultural backgrounds are actively encouraged to take part, alongside other members of the local community who are interested in working together.
There will be interpreters and childcare available at sessions if arranged in advance and there is a small budget to help refugees and participants on means-tested benefits with travel costs.
No previous experience is needed nor the ability to speak Ukrainian though anyone with language and arts skills will be welcomed.
Dates are as follows:
Singing Workshops
Learn traditional and brand new songs in English and Ukrainian. No experience needed just enthusiasm.
Musicians also welcome – please bring an instrument!
Dewsbury Fire Station Community Room
(access from Low Street entrance)
21 Carlton Rd, Dewsbury WF13 2AT
Wednesday 24th April 7pm to 9pm
Wednesday 8th May 7pm to 9pm
Wednesday 22nd May 7pm to 9pm
Wednesday 29th May 7pm to 9pm
Wednesday 5th June 7pm to 9pm
Creative Craft Workshops
Help to make a giant, dancing puppet of Maria Prymachenko and masks and embroidery to tell her story. There will also be opportunities to join in with Ukrainian and other traditional dance.
Friends Meeting House
Church Street Paddock
Huddersfield HD1 4TR
Sunday 28th April 2pm to 4.30pm
Sunday 5th May 2pm to 4.30pm
Sunday 12th May 2pm to 4.30pm
Holmfirth Civic Hall (Lesser Hall)
Huddersfield Rd,
Holmfirth HD9 3AS
Thursday 30th May 10am – 12.30pm
Thursday 30th May 1.30pm – 4pm
Sunday 26th May 2pm to 4.30pm
Sunday 2nd June 2pm to 4.30pm
All adults and children over 10 are welcome to join these free workshops. However, places are limited. Please book in advance to guarantee your place www.ticketsource.co.uk/dearsunflowers
