Arts project in the South Downs shortlisted for major awards
November 4, 2024
An inspiring arts project that underlines the power of National Parks to boost health and wellbeing has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.
Timescape has been shortlisted for awards from the Royal Society for Public Health, as well as the Park Protector Awards run by the charity, Campaign for National Parks.
It comes as people across the region have taken part in a series of workshops to learn ancient arts and craft techniques, all with a connection to the amazing cultural heritage of the South Downs.
The project has now been running for five years and this year 20 people took part in workshops at Butser Ancient Farm and Fishbourne Roman Palace. Many of the participants were referred to the scheme through social prescribing or because they are facing some life challenges.
A celebration event took place recently at the New Park Centre in Chichester, with participants displaying some of their crafts and artwork.
Laura Sercombe, Director of Landscape and Strategy for the National Park Authority, said: “I felt totally honoured to be invited to join the celebration event for Timescape. The fact that this has been running since 2019 and clearly impacts in the lives of individuals in such a positive way is really inspiring but to be included in something that also felt so personal for those attending was very special.
“The project has given people a helping hand to join a group setting and enjoy not only these wonderful settings but also connect with heritage and the landscape – and that’s where the magic happened. I witnessed first-hand real friendship and confidence borne from the project and know this simply would not have happened without Timescape in their lives. It works because people are generous with their time, believe in the project and turn up regardless of how they are feeling on the day.”
The award winners will be announced later this year. We’re keeping our fingers firmly crossed!