Building community using the power of circus art
Posted: 22 March 2021, in News
Aerial Art House is a studio space filled with laughter, friends and fun. Located in Edinburgh’s Restalrig area, we aim to bring the community together through circus art and wellbeing workshops.
Since 2017 we have provided a space and equipment for performance rehearsals, as well as hosted private events and supported individual practice. We help improve the lives of community members regardless of age, circumstance or experience, and pride ourselves on always putting the interest of the community first. The money we receive allows us to support free classes and events for those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to join in and develop new talents.
The impact that COVID has had on our team and students is monumental. Like so many organisations, we had to halt our classes and fight for financial stability. The strain during this time was unbelievable but, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated team, we secured funds to ensure that we are there for the community once we are able to reopen. We have managed to bring to life two projects, even in these difficult times, and we are so excited to share them with the community soon.
Between August and December 2020, we ran our ‘Reconnecting Families’ project, where we provided free online and in-person classes to support local families in need. The project received amazing feedback from the participants, who used the classes to maintain their mental and physical health. The funding we received from the National Lottery Community Fund will allow us to re-establish this support system from April 2021 and continue to bring the community together. The team is ready to work and prepared to adapt to new and changing regulations.
Work is now well underway to develop our garden, thanks to the funding we received from The Scottish Government. We are excited to offer this area as a new space for students and performers to train during warmer months. The work is set to be finished by the end of April 2021 and, when regulations allow, this new space will become an important part of the Aerial Art House centre for years to come.
As we move forward, our mission to support the physical and mental health of the people in Restalrig is more important to us than ever before. With so many members of the community affected by the events of the last year, we are driven to helping them more than ever.
Like other community hubs, Aerial Art House has struggled over the last year but we are so very grateful for the support we have received. Our team would like to send the message to other social enterprises to not give up and stay resilient, the challenges we all face now are opportunities to develop and come back stronger than ever before!
Victoria Roberts, CirqArt CIC, trading as Aerial Art House