Sounds of Creativity
Sounds of Creativity, a free workshop series combining live classical piano with guided creative art sessions, launched this year at the White Rock Theatre. The workshops were designed to harness the therapeutic benefits of music and art and aim to support members of the Hastings community experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation, and a lack of access to cultural activities.
HIP worked closely with local mental health organisations to curate these sessions. Bernie, a Mental Health Support Worker from Turning Point UK said: “Music offers a unique way for people to explore their emotions and experience a sense of freedom which they may be struggling to find in other aspects of their life. It is so helpful to have initiatives like these that we can signpost people to. For some, it might even spark an interest in joining other creative initiatives, which can be integral to their healing journey.”
The sessions featured live classical piano played by pianist Dida Condria, a competitor in the 2024 Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition. Dida played pieces by Ravel, Debussy and Rachmaninov, and inspired by this music, participants were led on a creative journey by local artist Sophie Malpas. This involved activities such as collaborative canvas painting and bilateral drawing: a technique where both hands are used to draw simultaneously, engaging both brain hemispheres. One participant commented "The whole activity was beautifully curated and coordinated - the music and opportunity to be guided in creating our own artworks was wonderful."
With generous funding from the Foreshore Trust, HIP was able to deliver 3 of these workshops benefitting no fewer than 73 participants. HIP worked with local social prescribing and mental health organisations who signposted residents to the sessions. One attendee commented “I’ve been struggling with my mental health, and this was a breath of fresh air. I felt a world of inspiration and delight open up to me.”
Alongside the aim of promoting wellbeing, HIP’s Learning and Participation Coordinator Rosa Amor set out to offer an accessible introduction to classical musical, and from participant feedback, 95% said they now felt more confident to attend a classical music event. Rosa commented: “At previous community events people told me they don’t feel classical music is for them and can’t imagine themselves attending a concert. My goal is to introduce these people to the beauty of the classical music and dispel the myth that it isn’t for everyone!”
On Wednesday 2nd April, there will be a private view at the White Rock Theatre showcasing some of the work created during the sessions including 6 collaborative canvasses. All workshop attendees will be invited to come back and see their work exhibited and the canvasses will be auctioned off with proceeds going to a local mental health charity.
After the success of Sounds of Creativity, planning for the next chapter has already begun. HIP would love to hear your ideas to develop this project further and help shape their next sessions. Please email rosa.amor@hastingsinternationalpiano.org.
