Inspiring activities for young and old in Doncaster to help during lockdown

Doncaster Community Arts, which is known as darts, has launched creative ideas to bring new ways to connect, feel motivated and have fun.

Professional musicians, artists, dancers, poets and film-makers have been finding new ways to share fun and engaging opportunities for those who might be feeling isolated, for parents who have children at home, for people who want to stay active and for everyone who wants to learn new skills.

darts has 30 years’ experience in delivering creative activities and supporting community members to improve life, learning and health. Staff have been telephoning those who normally come along to weekly sessions at The Point and in community settings across the Doncaster borough. Not everyone can get online, so there will also be activity that connects with people creatively by post, telephone, radio and video.

The first activities include a virtual tour of darts’ Mythomania exhibition as people can’t visit the gallery and see the exhibition in person. Visitors can see large-scale mythical sculptures up-close, as well as making their own amazing mythical creations. A new series of Dance On at Home videos encourage people to feel good and keep moving with professional dance artists and we will soon be trialing Dance On sessions via Zoom. Quirky Choir has also moved online and the weekly choir sees Doncaster residents of all ages and walks of life singing together.

Some of the many artists who have made these creative activities come to life include The Bard of Barnsley, poet Ian McMillan; Janet Wood - an expert singer/songwriter with 40 years' experience in community music making, and Luke Carver Goss, whose work featured on the award-winning BBC Radio 3 programme Late Junction.

CEO of darts Duncan Robertshaw said: “We've been working closely with our artists to ensure that we make high-quality activities that appeal to our participants, as well as to people who have never come across darts before".

"By providing activities to people offline as well as online, everyone can enjoy creative activities in their home".

To get involved in darts at Home activities, visit wearedarts.org.uk