Art for Well-being Workshops
Hannah Aria, artist and community arts practitioner invited GCC Director Ben Driver onto her live show and tell YouTube stream last Friday. The stream makes up a part of her 12 week series Art for Well-being Workshops, where expression is encouraged to maintain happiness and connection through weekly creative projects.
Buff Bar Bristol: Nurturing the Future of Nail Art
Nathan Taylor is the kind and conscientious soul behind Buff Bar Bristol. Their life as a human being and as a nail artist are intertwined, focused on an inclusive creativity that strives for openness. But this is merely a starting point. Painting the nails of others mean that their life becomes increasingly kaleidoscopic. The pieces from those they encounter are the building blocks for a thriving community of expression and understanding. We were fortunate enough to have a chat with Nathan about the world through their eyes.
MANUP?: Sharing the World
Director of Guy Cry Club, Ben Driver was invited to share his perspective in response to the global outcries against racism following the coverage of George Floyd’s murder in America. The purpose of this particular conversation was to integrate those that belong to different communities, share their viewpoint with one another, and build understanding across those perspectives.
Patchwork Radio: LGBTQ+ Pride
Guy Cry Club Director Ben Driver was invited to speak about Pride on IO Radio!
Black Lives Matter Resources
Regularly updated resources relating to the Black Lives Movement.
Led Creatives Newsletter: June 2020
Director Ben features in the latest Led Creatives newsletter alongside many other great artists and voices.
Black Artists Grant (UK)
In response to the recent resurgence of public anger surrounding systemic racism and the unlawful deaths of Black people in America, Creative Debuts wants to support UK Black artists to continue their creative practice when this community are less often than not given the opportunity to express themselves freely
Boys in Polish: Manicured Masculinities
Founder of Boys in Polish Jess Young has been unfolding the diverse layers of masculinity through nail art. The platform invites guys to take ownership of their identity; they decide what design to have painted on their nails as well as the styling for a final shoot to document their story. Throughout this time an intuitive dialogue begins to take shape, one reflecting both the individuality of the boy as well as the artwork Jess paints onto each fingernail. It is a collaborative process of expression and understanding. One which fosters positive change, uncovering the multiplicity of the male experience through creativity and a willingness to listen.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
We have chosen kindness because of its singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health. Wisdom from every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive.
The AWH Foundation
The AWH Foundation is a short series of tasks that span across 3 months, designed to explore and push creative boundaries by challenging creators to use undiscovered skills.
House of Self: Mental Health Support During Covid-19
The wonderful team at House of Self have created a free publication exploring the ways you can support your mental health during this period of lockdown. The guide includes breathing techniques, how to positively engage with anxiety and panic, as well as information about online counselling and other resources to connect with if you need more support.
To Wither and Bloom…
Before Guy Cry Club launched in Sept 2019, there was a long and gradual process of evolution that took place. From those initial sparks of ideas to where the Club stands today i wanted its growth to be as intuitive as possible, regardless of the frustrating setbacks and self doubt experienced along the way. Motifs started to repeat throughout these ideas, sentiments, questions and ambitions. Visualising them even as rough sketches over and over again ensured that they became the anchor points which enabled a more certain direction to be pursued.
