Lockdown Workshops
Like much of the world, Gaada closed its doors back in March at the beginning of the global lockdown effort to curb the spread of Coronavirus. However we were determined not to halt the regular support Gaada provides to artists through weekly one-to-one workshops, and so just one week later, Gaada opened it’s online workshop. This new digital space provided a private portal for each of our regular artists to keep in touch with Gaada staff via Zoom, Discord, Skype, Whatsapp (and even good old traditional land lines). Artists were able to upload and share their work, participate in live remote and distanced workshops, or just simply talk about how they were doing. Each week, we would check in, have a chat about the work they have created, and plan what they would like to focus on in the coming week.
In addition to the digital space, Gaada has been busy regularly creating customised art packs which have been hand-delivered to each artist as and when they need it. These packs have been crucial during this time, without the materials like paint, paper, pens, and printmaking plates, the artists could not have set up their home studios and continued to work throughout challenging times.
Images by Joyce Davies
We have to admit that initially we felt completely daunted by the idea of translating Gaada’s activities into digital formats, and we were unsure how this new way of working would affect the artists. However, we have been so incredibly impressed with the quality of work produced by artists who would normally be accessing the Gaada studio. Not just the quality but also the volume of work produced has also been nothing short of remarkable. During this pandemic, we’ve felt so privledged to witness this power that artistic practice has to help all of us explore, understand, and provide comfort even during the most difficult and unexpected situations.
Images by Mari Johnson
All the extra time and resources Gaada has provided to meet the needs of artists during Covid-19 has been made possible through SCVO’s Wellbeing Fund.
As the country begins to emerge from lockdown, and social distancing measures continue to ease, we are acutely aware that some of our most vulnerable artists will continue to sheild until a vaccine is developed. The Wellbeing Fund will go a long way to make sure Gaada can continue to support those of us who, unlike the population’s majority, are unable to return to normal. Until that time, Gaada will continue to have our weekly chats and tasks online and of course the occational garden workshop!
