Established in 1994, Impact Arts is an innovative Scottish arts charity which has become firmly established over the last 30 years as Scotland’s leading organisation for tackling inequalities and addressing poverty through creative engagement.
Our range of creative projects transform people’s lives through the participation in our creative activities and we use creative engagement to build people’s confidence and empower them to achieve their potential.
We address a range of social issues which limit life chances including poor physical and mental health, experience of trauma, limited educational attainment and higher risk of unemployment.
What sets us apart is that creative engagement and the arts are embedded into every aspect of our delivery – an approach that lies at the heart of us achieving our social impact. We understand the power of creativity to bring powerful and positive changes to lives, especially where other interventions might have struggled.
Bringing creativity into workspaces, whilst enabling businesses to support their local charities and artists, Exhibitability offers a unique spin on traditional artwork rental. Through Exhibitability you can enjoy the creative output of individuals directly supported by your local charities, and in turn support those charities to continue their brilliant work, with artwork being refreshed every 4-months.
Exhibitability installations are optimised to deliver positive impact for your organisation, for local charities, and for local artists. Whether you are working toward existing CSR, charitable, or employee wellbeing goals, or taking your first steps, partnering with Exhibitability is a simple way to maximise the impact of your investment in artwork.
One partnership, outsized impact.
Established in 1994, Impact Arts is an innovative Scottish arts charity which has become firmly established over the last 30 years as Scotland’s leading organisation for tackling inequalities and addressing poverty through creative engagement.
Our range of creative projects transform people’s lives through the participation in our creative activities and we use creative engagement to build people’s confidence and empower them to achieve their potential.
We address a range of social issues which limit life chances including poor physical and mental health, experience of trauma, limited educational attainment and higher risk of unemployment.
What sets us apart is that creative engagement and the arts are embedded into every aspect of our delivery – an approach that lies at the heart of us achieving our social impact. We understand the power of creativity to bring powerful and positive changes to lives, especially where other interventions might have struggled.
Bringing creativity into workspaces, whilst enabling businesses to support their local charities and artists, Exhibitability offers a unique spin on traditional artwork rental. Through Exhibitability you can enjoy the creative output of individuals directly supported by your local charities, and in turn support those charities to continue their brilliant work, with artwork being refreshed every 4-months.
Exhibitability installations are optimised to deliver positive impact for your organisation, for local charities, and for local artists. Whether you are working toward existing CSR, charitable, or employee wellbeing goals, or taking your first steps, partnering with Exhibitability is a simple way to maximise the impact of your investment in artwork.
One partnership, outsized impact.
Established in 1994, Impact Arts is an innovative Scottish arts charity which has become firmly established over the last 30 years as Scotland’s leading organisation for tackling inequalities and addressing poverty through creative engagement.
Our range of creative projects transform people’s lives through the participation in our creative activities and we use creative engagement to build people’s confidence and empower them to achieve their potential.
We address a range of social issues which limit life chances including poor physical and mental health, experience of trauma, limited educational attainment and higher risk of unemployment.
What sets us apart is that creative engagement and the arts are embedded into every aspect of our delivery – an approach that lies at the heart of us achieving our social impact. We understand the power of creativity to bring powerful and positive changes to lives, especially where other interventions might have struggled.
Bringing creativity into workspaces, whilst enabling businesses to support their local charities and artists, Exhibitability offers a unique spin on traditional artwork rental. Through Exhibitability you can enjoy the creative output of individuals directly supported by your local charities, and in turn support those charities to continue their brilliant work, with artwork being refreshed every 4-months.
Exhibitability installations are optimised to deliver positive impact for your organisation, for local charities, and for local artists. Whether you are working toward existing CSR, charitable, or employee wellbeing goals, or taking your first steps, partnering with Exhibitability is a simple way to maximise the impact of your investment in artwork.
One partnership, outsized impact.
CashBack to the Future
Using creativity as a hook to engagement, CashBack to the Future provides alternative opportunities for young people aged 14 – 25 years old to express themselves, gain skills, learn and realise personal growth. The programme provides young people with a fun, free and accessible diversionary activity in a ‘safe space’ where they can freely express themselves without pressure and without engaging in negative behaviours.
Group activities focus initially on improving mental health/confidence and can include taster creative workshops in different art forms and sessions with a health and wellbeing focus, followed by activities to develop core employability skills and individual/group art projects. Staff support young people to develop resilience through experimenting/testing new activities and also encourage them to identify the new and existing talents and strengths they have. Using a wide range of art forms from visual arts to music, performance to digital, CashBack is a year round explosion of creativity!
Screen printing on fabric
Our CashBack to the Future group, worked with Provan Hall
Heritage Museum in Glasgow, where they discussed and researched the Witch Trials in Scotland and how this time in history still impacts on our lives today. They explored how people were targeted because they met a certain stereotype or didn’t fit into a limited view of society, and discussed how this craze was fuelled by fear and mistrust of people, which is something we still witness today. The work on display was inspired by what they learnt on their journey. As a group they chose to remember those that were put on trial in their artworks for being brave and enduring the physical and emotional atrocities that came with being accused, rather than concentrating on the gruesome and traumatic nature of their experiences. The young people wanted this installation to remind viewers to be brave and to confront and question stereotypes and discrimination when they are presented to us today.
Working with Artist Katie Falco, the group learnt screen printing techniques and transferred their designs onto fabric which makes up the series of artworks on display.
Using creativity as a hook to engagement, CashBack to the Future provides alternative opportunities for young people aged 14 – 25 years old to express themselves, gain skills, learn and realise personal growth. The programme provides young people with a fun, free and accessible diversionary activity in a ‘safe space’ where they can freely express themselves without pressure and without engaging in negative behaviours.
Group activities focus initially on improving mental health/confidence and can include taster creative workshops in different art forms and sessions with a health and wellbeing focus, followed by activities to develop core employability skills and individual/group art projects. Staff support young people to develop resilience through experimenting/testing new activities and also encourage them to identify the new and existing talents and strengths they have. Using a wide range of art forms from visual arts to music, performance to digital, CashBack is a year round explosion of creativity!
Screen printing on fabric
Our CashBack to the Future group, worked with Provan Hall Heritage Museum in Glasgow, where they discussed and researched the Witch Trials in Scotland and how this time in history still impacts on our lives today. They explored how people were targeted because they met a certain stereotype or didn’t fit into a limited view of society, and discussed how this craze was fuelled by fear and mistrust of people, which is something we still witness today. The work on display was inspired by what they learnt on their journey. As a group they chose to remember those that were put on trial in their artworks for being brave and enduring the physical and emotional atrocities that came with being accused, rather than concentrating on the gruesome and traumatic nature of their experiences. The young people wanted this installation to remind viewers to be brave and to confront and question stereotypes and discrimination when they are presented to us today.
Working with Artist Katie Falco, the group learnt screen printing techniques and transferred their designs onto fabric which makes up the series of artworks on display.
Using creativity as a hook to engagement, CashBack to the Future provides alternative opportunities for young people aged 14 – 25 years old to express themselves, gain skills, learn and realise personal growth. The programme provides young people with a fun, free and accessible diversionary activity in a ‘safe space’ where they can freely express themselves without pressure and without engaging in negative behaviours.
Group activities focus initially on improving mental health/confidence and can include taster creative workshops in different art forms and sessions with a health and wellbeing focus, followed by activities to develop core employability skills and individual/group art projects. Staff support young people to develop resilience through experimenting/testing new activities and also encourage them to identify the new and existing talents and strengths they have. Using a wide range of art forms from visual arts to music, performance to digital, CashBack is a year round explosion of creativity!
Screen printing on fabric
Our CashBack to the Future group, worked with Provan Hall Heritage Museum in Glasgow, where they discussed and researched the Witch Trials in Scotland and how this time in history still impacts on our lives today. They explored how people were targeted because they met a certain stereotype or didn’t fit into a limited view of society, and discussed how this craze was fuelled by fear and mistrust of people, which is something we still witness today. The work on display was inspired by what they learnt on their journey. As a group they chose to remember those that were put on trial in their artworks for being brave and enduring the physical and emotional atrocities that came with being accused, rather than concentrating on the gruesome and traumatic nature of their experiences. The young people wanted this installation to remind viewers to be brave and to confront and question stereotypes and discrimination when they are presented to us today.
Working with Artist Katie Falco, the group learnt screen printing techniques and transferred their designs onto fabric which makes up the series of artworks on display.
Feedback on the experience of CashBack to the Future
“This has been the best experience and I really don’t want it to end” (participant)
“She has been going to school more now and I think it’s from her coming to Impact Arts and being involved with something. It’s been a great celebration of her work!” (participant’s mum)
“It’s been life changing for her” (participant’s teacher)
“Being here has really helped me. I was just in my bed for months before coming here and it’s given me something to get out of bed for. It’s good to have a routine and be able to meet new people and make friends. I don’t want it to be over!” (participant)
Feedback on the experience of CashBack to the Future
“This has been the best experience and I really don’t want it to end” (participant)
“She has been going to school more now and I think it’s from her coming to Impact Arts and being involved with something. It’s been a great celebration of her work!” (participant’s mum)
“It’s been life changing for her” (participant’s teacher)
“Being here has really helped me. I was just in my bed for months before coming here and it’s given me something to get out of bed for. It’s good to have a routine and be able to meet new people and make friends. I don’t want it to be over!” (participant)
Craft Café
Craft Cafe is a calm social space in local communities and care homes which brings joy to later years and harnesses artistic expression and learning. Craft Cafe creates a sense of purpose and provides a therapeutic space allowing members to feel connected to each other and their local communities. Older people who attend the Craft Café services, referred to as ‘members’, can try out various high quality artistic and creative techniques (e.g. drawing/painting, photography, ceramics, textiles, animation).
The creative activities support regulation and improvements in wellbeing, (particularly anxiety/depression), fosters connections and trusting relationships between members, reduces feelings of social isolation and promotes gentle physical activity, supports healthy eating and self-care.
Craft Café Govan
Impact Arts runs a community-based project in Glasgow, which supports up to 80 older people each week through our community based arts workshops.
The Craft Café ethos is based on choice, kindness, friendship and peer support. We help older people to learn new skills, develop friendships, set goals and increase their engagement with local support services when required. Workshops are led by an Artist and Wellbeing Support Worker who engage people in a wide range of art techniques and projects connected to the local community and help to reduce isolation and loneliness and give support with specific health concerns.
Indian Ink, Mark-making and Drawing
Using Indian ink gave Craft Café members an opportunity to simplify their materials, and work in monochrome. Although you must commit to the marks made, as ink is permanent, the sensation when painting is extremely fluid and relaxing.
Working with Artist Charlotte Craig, members began by exploring the medium through mark-making, applying different pressures and using different brushes, to mixing varying gradients of ink, observational painting and making their own brushes from found objects, like twigs and sponges. The members then worked on individual pieces which are presented here, from landscapes to abstracts, from more detail to minimal.
Craft Cafe is a calm social space in local communities and care homes which brings joy to later years and harnesses artistic expression and learning. Craft Cafe creates a sense of purpose and provides a therapeutic space allowing members to feel connected to each other and their local communities. Older people who attend the Craft Café services, referred to as ‘members’, can try out various high quality artistic and creative techniques (e.g. drawing/painting, photography, ceramics, textiles, animation).
The creative activities support regulation and improvements in wellbeing, (particularly anxiety/depression), fosters connections and trusting relationships between members, reduces feelings of social isolation and promotes gentle physical activity, supports healthy eating and self-care.
Cyanotype Patchwork Banner
The patchwork was created using a variety of natural printing and dyeing techniques. Members explored cyanotype and mono printing on fabric, using leaves and flowers as their tools. They also dyed linen with plants and vegetables, experimenting with homemade ink solutions to discover the different effects of natural dyes. These methods produced a range of printed and coloured fabrics, which were then used to craft individual patchwork strips. Using simple patchworking techniques, the strips were assembled into patterned sections and finally joined together into complete pieces.
Feedback on Craft Café Govan
“A hearty thanks to you and your team for brightening up my day”
“You always know someone who is good at something and can help you, everybody is good at something. You know who to go to. There’s just so much talent.”
“I think one of the special things about the Craft Cafe is that you are not put under any pressure to do anything. You can take it or leave it and that actually encourages you.”
“There’s nowhere else. I’d be lost without the Craft Cafe. You are very good to everybody, and I’ve never had that. Aye, I feel supported here.”
“It’s a communal thing. I mean one of the reasons people come here is so they can talk. They come to talk or to make.”
Craft Café Edinburgh
In collaboration with Viewpoint Housing Association, Impact Arts runs Craft Café workshops for older people in Edinburgh within Viewpoint care homes. These are open to Viewpoint tenants and care home residents and are funded by Viewpoint.
Craft Café is a safe, welcoming space for people to socialise and express their creativity. The artistic process of sessions is self-directed, with artist facilitation, encouragement, and support from Artist Sarah Derron. Members are always provided with themes, ideas, inspiration, and tutorage (along with tea, coffee, and biscuits!), but each person’s creative experience is guided by them. And while creativity is at the heart of the project, a shared social experience with other members, family, and friends in a warm and welcoming environment is a core part of the Craft Café experience.
Netta's story
How long have you been attending Craft Café and what made you decide to attend?
“8.5 years. Curiosity at first. Once I attended, couldn’t wait to go back!”
Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Craft Café?
“The staff are so welcoming and coffee is so good. Made me feel like I wasn’t as totally useless as I thought I was at drawing and painting. I’ve been persuaded to try all sorts of media and types of pictures, some with a little more success than others. I’ve even sold some!”
Netta
What do you enjoy about Craft Café?
“It’s so relaxed and the art teachers are so good and encouraging. There’s lots of laughter too so that can’t be bad! Craft Café is away from the general business of the home and so relaxing. Though relaxing, it can be hardworking too.”
Netta
Bernadette's story
How long have you been attending Craft Café and what made you decide to attend?
“Since 2019. I read about ways of enhancing mental wellbeing and it mentioned that art would help. So Craft Café is ideal.”
Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Craft Café?
“It’s a very colourful experience, especially working with all the different medias, and it is wonderful to be with a variety of attendees and sharing this artistic journey with everyone.”
Bernadette (left) & Netta (right)
What do you enjoy about Craft Café?
“The camaraderie with everyone. It enhances my mental wellbeing and pushes me to strive further. It’s a very conducive and safe setting. Craft Café is my lifeline.”
Craft Café member soundbites
“I wanted to come here because the atmosphere is so positive…”
“My wife says to me, ‘You always seem to be in a good state of mind when you’ve been to the Craft Club.”
“You’re always so supportive and encouraging here.”
“I’ve got a lot going on and this is a comfort.”
“I was glad when I knew I was coming here.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that. It’s been fun!”
“It’s so interesting to see everyone’s contributions here…it’s so beautiful here. Everywhere you look it’s beautiful”
“That’s what’s so nice about this place – you can do whatever you like. And it’s alright.”
Netta's story
How long have you been attending Craft Café and what made you decide to attend?
“8.5 years. Curiosity at first. Once I attended, couldn’t wait to go back!”
Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Craft Café?
“The staff are so welcoming and coffee is so good. Made me feel like I wasn’t as totally useless as I thought I was at drawing and painting. I’ve been persuaded to try all sorts of media and types of pictures, some with a little more success than others. I’ve even sold some!”
Netta
Netta
What do you enjoy about Craft Café?
“It’s so relaxed and the art teachers are so good and encouraging. There’s lots of laughter too so that can’t be bad! Craft Café is away from the general business of the home and so relaxing. Though relaxing, it can be hardworking too.”
Bernadette's story
How long have you been attending Craft Café and what made you decide to attend?
“Since 2019. I read about ways of enhancing mental wellbeing and it mentioned that art would help. So Craft Café is ideal.”
Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Craft Café?
“It’s a very colourful experience, especially working with all the different medias, and it is wonderful to be with a variety of attendees and sharing this artistic journey with everyone.”
What do you enjoy about Craft Café?
“The camaraderie with everyone. It enhances my mental wellbeing and pushes me to strive further. It’s a very conducive and safe setting. Craft Café is my lifeline.”
Bernadette (left) & Netta (right)
Craft Café member soundbites
“I wanted to come here because the atmosphere is so positive…”
“My wife says to me, ‘You always seem to be in a good state of mind when you’ve been to the Craft Club.”
“You’re always so supportive and encouraging here.”
“I’ve got a lot going on and this is a comfort.”
“I was glad when I knew I was coming here.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that. It’s been fun!”
“It’s so interesting to see everyone’s contributions here…it’s so beautiful here. Everywhere you look it’s beautiful”
“That’s what’s so nice about this place – you can do whatever you like. And it’s alright.”
Craft Café member soundbites
“I wanted to come here because the atmosphere is so positive…”
“My wife says to me, ‘You always seem to be in a good state of mind when you’ve been to the Craft Club.”
“You’re always so supportive and encouraging here.”
“I’ve got a lot going on and this is a comfort.”
“I was glad when I knew I was coming here.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that. It’s been fun!”
“It’s so interesting to see everyone’s contributions here…it’s so beautiful here. Everywhere you look it’s beautiful”
“That’s what’s so nice about this place – you can do whatever you like. And it’s alright.”
Netta's story
How long have you been attending Craft Café and what made you decide to attend?
“8.5 years. Curiosity at first. Once I attended, couldn’t wait to go back!”
Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Craft Café?
“The staff are so welcoming and coffee is so good. Made me feel like I wasn’t as totally useless as I thought I was at drawing and painting. I’ve been persuaded to try all sorts of media and types of pictures, some with a little more success than others. I’ve even sold some!”
Netta
Netta
What do you enjoy about Craft Café?
“It’s so relaxed and the art teachers are so good and encouraging. There’s lots of laughter too so that can’t be bad! Craft Café is away from the general business of the home and so relaxing. Though relaxing, it can be hardworking too.”
Bernadette's story
How long have you been attending Craft Café and what made you decide to attend?
“Since 2019. I read about ways of enhancing mental wellbeing and it mentioned that art would help. So Craft Café is ideal.”
Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Craft Café?
“It’s a very colourful experience, especially working with all the different medias, and it is wonderful to be with a variety of attendees and sharing this artistic journey with everyone.”
What do you enjoy about Craft Café?
“The camaraderie with everyone. It enhances my mental wellbeing and pushes me to strive further. It’s a very conducive and safe setting. Craft Café is my lifeline.”
Bernadette (left) & Netta (right)
Craft Café member soundbites
“I wanted to come here because the atmosphere is so positive…”
“My wife says to me, ‘You always seem to be in a good state of mind when you’ve been to the Craft Club.”
“You’re always so supportive and encouraging here.”
“I’ve got a lot going on and this is a comfort.”
“I was glad when I knew I was coming here.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that. It’s been fun!”
“It’s so interesting to see everyone’s contributions here…it’s so beautiful here. Everywhere you look it’s beautiful”
“That’s what’s so nice about this place – you can do whatever you like. And it’s alright.”
Craft Café member soundbites
“I wanted to come here because the atmosphere is so positive…”
“My wife says to me, ‘You always seem to be in a good state of mind when you’ve been to the Craft Club.”
“You’re always so supportive and encouraging here.”
“I’ve got a lot going on and this is a comfort.”
“I was glad when I knew I was coming here.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that. It’s been fun!”
“It’s so interesting to see everyone’s contributions here…it’s so beautiful here. Everywhere you look it’s beautiful”
“That’s what’s so nice about this place – you can do whatever you like. And it’s alright.”
Craft Café member soundbites
“I wanted to come here because the atmosphere is so positive…”
“My wife says to me, ‘You always seem to be in a good state of mind when you’ve been to the Craft Club.”
“You’re always so supportive and encouraging here.”
“I’ve got a lot going on and this is a comfort.”
“I was glad when I knew I was coming here.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that. It’s been fun!”
“It’s so interesting to see everyone’s contributions here…it’s so beautiful here. Everywhere you look it’s beautiful”
“That’s what’s so nice about this place – you can do whatever you like. And it’s alright.”
Impactful Starts
Impactful Starts is a non-traditional creative employability project. Over 12 weeks, using the arts as a focus, we support unemployed young people aged 16-24 years old to feel more confident; overcome some of the hurdles they might be facing; and gain some SQA qualifications. Young people are supported by an artist, youth worker and opportunities co-ordinator who provide a mix of 1:1 and group support.
Our unique approach of using the arts as the hook to engage people who otherwise might be reluctant to take part in traditional classroom based learning is hugely successful at engaging even those young people who are facing the greatest challenges to progressing positively with their lives.
There is no requirement to have any previous experience of making art to take part and the creative skills learnt such as team working, design, communication are designed to be transferable to any career.
Abstract Screenprints
These abstract works are the outcome of an introduction to the screen-printing process, inspired by the bold murals and installations of German abstract artist Lothar Götz.
Abstract Screenprints
These abstract works are the outcome of an introduction to the screen-printing process, inspired by the bold murals and installations of German abstract artist Lothar Götz.
Feedback on Impactful Starts
“I don’t know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing this, it’s really good.”
“The tutors were very welcoming. I felt accommodated and cared for, I learned a lot from them and I appreciate their guidance.”
“The tutors are really nice, they take time out for each individual person and they are really chill!”
Abstract Screenprints
These abstract works are the outcome of an introduction to the screen-printing process, inspired by the bold murals and installations of German abstract artist Lothar Götz.
Feedback on Impactful Starts
“I don’t know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing this, it’s really good.”
“The tutors were very welcoming. I felt accommodated and cared for, I learned a lot from them and I appreciate their guidance.”
“The tutors are really nice, they take time out for each individual person and they are really chill!”
Impactful Starts is a non-traditional creative employability project. Over 12 weeks, using the arts as a focus, we support unemployed young people aged 16-24 years old to feel more confident; overcome some of the hurdles they might be facing; and gain some SQA qualifications.
Young people are supported by an artist, youth worker and opportunities co-ordinator who provide a mix of 1:1 and group support.
Our unique approach of using the arts as the hook to engage people who otherwise might be reluctant to take part in traditional classroom based learning is hugely successful at engaging event those young people who are facing the greatest challenges to progressing positively with their lives.
There is no requirement to have any previous experience of making art to take part and the creative skills learnt such as team working, design, communication are designed to be transferable to any career.
Bad Advice
Inspired by the drawings of artist David Shrigley, which are deliberately designed to look simple and as if anyone could draw them. Young people were encouraged to have a go at “bad drawing” to lift the pressure of trying to be skilled at art. The group then brainstormed all of the “bad advice” that they had been given in their lives; all of the phrases and statements which had really not been helpful in the moment. This was intended to open up gentle conversations about feelings and encourage young people to feel safe in sharing these moments with the group.
The young people learnt new marbling techniques to create the background to their works and then combined their “bad art” with their “bad advice” phrases that you see in these works.
Feedback on Impactful Starts
“I don’t know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing this, it’s really good.”
“The tutors were very welcoming. I felt accommodated and cared for, I learned a lot from them and I appreciate their guidance.”
“The tutors are really nice, they take time out for each individual person and they are really chill!”
Bad Advice
Inspired by the drawings of artist David Shrigley, which are deliberately designed to look simple and as if anyone could draw them. Young people were encouraged to have a go at “bad drawing” to lift the pressure of trying to be skilled at art. The group then brainstormed all of the “bad advice” that they had been given in their lives; all of the phrases and statements which had really not been helpful in the moment. This was intended to open up gentle conversations about feelings and encourage young people to feel safe in sharing these moments with the group.
The young people learnt new marbling techniques to create the background to their works and then combined their “bad art” with their “bad advice” phrases that you see in these works.
Feedback on Impactful Starts
“I don’t know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing this, it’s really good.”
“The tutors were very welcoming. I felt accommodated and cared for, I learned a lot from them and I appreciate their guidance.”
“The tutors are really nice, they take time out for each individual person and they are really chill!”
Craft Café member soundbites
“I wanted to come here because the atmosphere is so positive…”
“My wife says to me, ‘You always seem to be in a good state of mind when you’ve been to the Craft Club.”
“You’re always so supportive and encouraging here.”
“I’ve got a lot going on and this is a comfort.”
“I was glad when I knew I was coming here.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that. It’s been fun!”
“It’s so interesting to see everyone’s contributions here…it’s so beautiful here. Everywhere you look it’s beautiful”
“That’s what’s so nice about this place – you can do whatever you like. And it’s alright.”