“The links you have made with Malin Bridge School are brilliant; I have invited them back at Christmas to sing for us. I hope it is a friendship that will continue long into the future.”

“thank you for delivering such a successful project as part of our LEADER programme.”

“The children from the local school have been super stars and the links made with the school are good for the future. I personally have learnt more about the tenants who have attended the sessions that I have in all the years I have known them. We are looking forward to the publication and hopefully working with you again.”

“I would love to just do more of this kind of work. I think it is such a good idea educationally for children to have history bought alive for them in this way, for older people to see that children are interested in them.”

“Art in the Park's Sharing Our Lives project reminds me of the enormous cultural diversity of our world, and it’s a real privilege as a writer to work with communities such as Park View Lodge, Painted Fabrics and the schools local to these schemes.”

“Seeing their work come to life gave the children a sense of achievement.”

“The participants were excited by being introduced to new ideas and were excited with their own progress. These were perhaps the most creatively fulfilling for me because they had some experience and I could push them further.”

“Working on a longer term really finished piece creates pride in people and confidence in their own abilities.”

“Doing the art sessions brings people together and gets them talking in a low stress environment. You can see people growing in confidence as the sessions progress, becoming more comfortable and forming relationships.”

“Really fun, even for a one-year-old and her dad. Story-telling is nearly a lost art.”

“Today was brilliant with all the colourful flags and the delicious food […] Plant pots and flags are my kind of thing and so is art. This day was heaven. Thanks!”

“A chance to explore a range of different media in a perfect environment with interesting people – and all for nothing! Have really enjoyed the classes. Thank you so much!”

“It was the high point of my week – an oasis of pleasure.It was such a good atmosphere: very relaxed, slow enough pace for a beginner like me, with a friendly knowledgable.”

“There wasn’t anything I didn’t enjoy! It was fascinating learning about different cultures and hearing other stories… A worthwhile, interesting and life-enriching experience in only 6 weeks.”