Community Spirit of Leicestershire

Leicestershire Community Spirit recorded in new artwork

A community arts project celebrating the work of volunteers during the Coronavirus pandemic is going on tour around Leicestershire during September and October. Local people who gave their time freely to help others during lockdown were invited to share their story and help to make rosettes which have been made into a celebratory artwork, booklet and film. The rosettes are made from printed papers and stitched textiles devised by project artists Ruth Singer and Mandeep Dhadialla. They have been combined into a stunning display which celebrates the hard work and the positive wellbeing benefits of volunteering. After the touring exhibition, the rosettes will be presented to nominated volunteers as a keepsake to recognize their special contribution during the pandemic. The tour dates are as follows:

Atkins Building Hinkley – 5th-12th September

Newbold Verdon Library – 14th September, 10am-1pm

Beaumont Leys Library – 15th-22nd September

Woodgate Community Food Leicester – 30th September & 1st October, 10am-1pm

John Storer House Loughborough-  3rd-14th October

Lutterworth Library – 20th-22nd October

Creative Producer Ruth Singer is a local artist. She was inspired by her own experience as a food bank volunteer in Leicester and wanted to record how vital volunteers’ contributions were. Ruth saw people stepping up to help their neighbours access food and support, making PPE for NHS workers, staffing vaccination centres and much more. She developed the Community Spirit project to celebrate this incredible community-building that took place in Leicestershire and Rutland.

“Volunteering during the pandemic changed my life,” Ruth said. “Helping at the foodbank gave me purpose during the height of the pandemic. I have been so impressed by the care and community-mindedness of the formal and informal volunteers I have met over the last two years. I wanted to commemorate their amazing work.”

The project received funding from  Arts Council England and Leicester City Council’s Community Ward Funding programmes, Ruth and Associate artist Mandeep Dhadialla have collected stories online and run events in the city and county with volunteers to make elements of the artwork. Others were also able to make pieces through packs of materials sent to them at home. 

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Ruth Singer is the Community Spirit project manager. Please contact her for further information, interview requests or more media assets.

ruthsinger.com, ruth@ruthsinger.com, 07804603240

Ruth is a Loughborough-based artist. Associate artist Mandeep Dhadialla is a printmaker based in Leicester. Community Spirit is funded by Arts Council England and Leicester City Council Ward Community Funding from Beaumont Leys and Castle Wards.

Full details of the venues and timings are here

With Voluntary Action LeicesterShire

Supported by Arts Council England and Leicester City Council Community Ward funding from Castle Ward and Beaumont Leys Ward.