Without walls

RIVELINCO HAS BROUGHT A COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAMME TO HILLSBOROUGH.

This month the arts centre will also be opening a permanent HQ in a formerly empty shop front on Middlewood Road, while continuing their work with Gathering Ground: the collective name for some of the buildings in Hillsborough Park recently renovated by Age UK Sheffield, which is where they host their weekly sessions.

“We believe access to culture is a human right, and our definition of culture is broad: our remit includes gardening, cooking, crafts, cinema, languages and sports as often as it includes theatre, dance, music and visual arts,” said Linda. “Our approach is inclusive and intergenerational. We prioritise respect, kindness and care: for our community, for our team, for our collaborators, and for the planet.”

Weekly activities for adults are held at either The Pavilion or The Bradbury Makers’ Shed in Hillsborough Park and include Andy’s Man Club (Mondays), Creative Writing (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Singing (Wednesdays), Drama in the Park (Thursdays) and Crafternoons (Fridays).

Retiree Valerie Harley has been attending classes organised by RivelinCo from the beginning and particularly enjoys choir on Wednesdays as well as the craft group on Fridays. She has also dipped her toe into drama and art and enjoys the craft markets occasionally held on weekends. The groups have been a real tonic for Valerie who moved into the area in 2017 and has found them a great way to make friends but above all loves their fun, friendly and supportive nature.

“They’ve been a joy, ” she said. “The classes are nicely structured and always offer something positive and creative. They’re a wonderful opportunity to get out and about - they can really lift your mood.”

Valerie confessed to being ‘not overly creative’ before but has been open-minded to the different classes she has tried.

“Everyone seems to go with the same attitude and are really supportive,” she added. “The paid staff and volunteers are fantastic and create a lovely environment. The daytime classes are perfect for someone of my age and prices are very competitive too.”

Upcoming special classes include a Fermentation and Pickling Workshop (13 May), Ugandan Bark Cloth: Stitch and Stick (27 May), Woodwork for Wellbeing (24 June), and Printmaking in the Park (8 July), as well as the ongoing weekly programme.

RivelinCo will also be hosting a series of shows and events throughout the year which includes a Midsummer Festival (18 June) and an outdoor performance of Peter Pan (17 August).

To find out more, call 0114 327 1670, email hello@rivelinco.org or visit rivelinco.org.You can find them on social media too –@RivelinCo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.