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Art stations set up in our district’s libraries

Tuesday, December 05, 2023

Art Doctor stations are opening at libraries across our district to help visitors to get their creative juices flowing, ahead of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, a huge 366-day programme of cultural and heritage activity.

Each of the libraries are having a space where adults can drop in and try out an activity such as drawing, writing, or music.

It’s the latest part of the Art Doctors’ initiative, which started in the summer, where the experts visited Wakefield and prescribed silly and fun things to help children and adults be creative.

"As we look ahead to Our Year – this is one just one example in which we’re giving more people the chance to take part in activities and be creative. We’ll also be able to provide more assistance to our creative sector, to help it thrive and put the district on the map.

The art stations aim to inspire people to be more confident in being creative, so come in and have a go. There’s no right or wrong way to be creative."

Cllr Michelle Collins

Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport

Councillor Michelle Collins

Cllr Collins added "we had a great reaction to the Art Doctors when they came to our district in the summer. We’re so pleased they’ve come back to us with a permanent prescription for everyday creativity which everyone can explore through the magic of Wakefield libraries.

Once again, we want to encourage children and adults to come and have a go at these simple and fun activities. You don’t need to be able to draw, paint, dance, write or play music, this is for everyone."

Librarians have put together ideas and suggestions to spark creativity. People can drop in and have a go at the activities that are self-led.

The project is funded by Arts Council England and supported by, Leeds, Wakefield, and Kirklees Libraries, and Leeds Beckett University.

  • Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, a huge 366-day programme of cultural and heritage activity taking place next year
  • The year of celebration will be a catalyst for inward investment and boost the visitor economy. And it will offer people across Wakefield district the chance to get involved in culture and creativity, experiencing the positive role it plays in their community
  • The Art Doctors are a group of artists who want to break down barriers to arts and creativity. They often dress in paint-splattered coats and stethoscopes to prescribe contemporary art or creative activity to people at galleries, festivals, and events, as well as making films and appearing on a regular BBC Radio Leeds slot
  • The Art Doctors were founded in 2015 by Leeds-based artists Alison McIntyre, Liz Stirling, and Tom Bailey. They are now a collective of around 12 artists across West Yorkshire
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