Can art transform a community?

In times of financial hardship, rising youth unemployment and troubling crime, can art manage to inspire people to change their lives and can it unite a borough against the bureaucracy that appears to ensnare it?

Artists across Hillingdon believe so. Yet they cannot change things by themselves. Residents must participate and embrace the world that art offers.

This is why Hillingdon Council and local artists created a culture festival called “ArtsWeek”, which runs from June 11 to 19.

It is put on to encourage residents to work with artists and performers through events and workshops.

Now in its 5th year it continues to grow and grow, with the number of events nearly doubling this year.

“We ask the people of Hillingdon to get involved,” said Doug Neilson, Vice-Chair of Ickenham Festival, one of the music events taking place during Arts Week.

“To offer to help, to come out and participate, to have fun while learning about their local community and to understand that community is about people, not councils, groups, associations, budgets or rules.”

The week includes a variety of literature, film, music, visual art and theatre events and features 20 local artists opening their doors to invite residents into their studios.

Charlotte Baldwin, 27, Arts Programming Officer for the Arts Week, said: “I think that arts in general contribute to a happy and well functioning society.”

She said there are many learning opportunities and that people who participate may find something they want to peruse in the future.

The event takes on board the current economic status by offering a lot of the events and workshops for free.

As well as bringing a community together, Arts Week is a great opportunity for artists to showcase their work, giving Hillingdon the artistic reputation it deserves.

Jane Greer is one of those opening her studio to the public.

“There are a lot of really good quality artists in Hillingdon and I think it is important for people to realise that everyone has got artistic potential,” she said.

She believes that art transcends throughout generations.

“It is good for the young people but it also keeps the old people feeling young,” she added.

Another Hillingdon artist, Graham Pellow, realises the potential that art and culture can have on the younger generation, but recognises this can be a challenge.

“It is hard getting youngsters into art,” he said.

“But when we get children looking at art and watching it they get enthusiastic, it can get them hooked on it, which is very important.”

“I think it is a lot better for them than standing on street corners.”

He does not think you have to be a fantastic artist; it is just about the sheer participation and he is a strong believer that art can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Art is a great way of uplifting people,” he added.

“Art enriches life and is extremely fulfilling.”

The younger generation is being persuaded to get involved through competitions.

The Hillingdon Young Movement Photographer Competition searches for the best young photographic talent in the borough.

Hillingdon Council is fully behind Arts Week and give it all of their support.

“Following on from last year’s hugely successful Arts Week, we are once again offering the chance to try something new and maybe discover a hidden talent,” said Councillor Henry Higgins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure.

Those running and taking part in Arts Week believe that art is powerful and can encourage everyone to support each other by doing something they may not usually do.

The event may only run for a week during the year, yet they hope it will have a resonating effect across the borough and people’s lives.

“We all know that there isn’t anything quite as inspiring as a theatre show or an impressive piece of art,” said Ms Baldwin.

“We can brighten up people’s lives through art and culture.”