Aberdeen Arts Coalition offers taste of things to come in Granite City
21/02/12
A fun day for adults with learning disabilities in Aberdeen today marked the launch of a new innovative art coalition in the city.
The Citadel was filled with hundreds of service users, family members and carers all eager to take part in a variety of workshops led by a number of local arts providers.
Supported by Aberdeen City Council's Adult Services the groups have formed a coalition to highlight the wealth of different opportunities now available to adults with learning disabilities across the city.
The Art Coalition Aberdeen, including Mixed Fish, Create, Music 4U and Mixit days, launched their drama, singing, dancing and arts and crafts programmes with a giant fun-filled day of activities.
Social Care and Wellbeing Head of Adult Services Tom Cowan said: "Last year Aberdeen City Council hosted a Learning Disabilities 'Big Event' at the Citadel.
"Over 300 service users, family members and carers attended the day and had access to tasters and information about what was around the city, as well as the opportunity to indicate what they'd like to see available. Some of the feedback we got then was that many service users wanted opportunities to be involved in the expressive arts, enjoying activities such as drama, singing and dancing.
"We took that feedback onboard and started working alongside the great groups we have in the city today to create the Art Coalition Aberdeen. Today is the culmination of all their hard work and it's wonderful to see so many service users taking part. It has been a huge success and offers a real glimpse of what's available and information on how to get involved."
Art Coalition Aberdeen forms part of the council's ongoing commitment towards a shift to more personalised services allowing more adults with learning difficulties and disabilities to direct their own support and services.
Mr Cowan added: "This is all part of the ongoing evolution of services for individuals with learning difficulties within the city. More and more individuals now have access to their own Individual Service Fund, often referred to as a Personal Budget, with which to direct their own services. They can use this 'spending power' to make genuine choices over what they wish to do and who they wish to spend time with.
"Aberdeen is now one of the leading councils in the delivery of genuine choice and control through self-directed services for day support with Learning Disabilities. The same developments are taking place in relation to accommodation and support, with future service provision being self-directed and controlled - either through the vehicle of a Direct Payment Or Individual Service Fund."
Social Care and Wellbeing Convener Councillor Jim Kiddie said: "The Art Coalition Aberdeen launch highlights the tremendous scope of services being offered to adults in the city.
"All the groups participating in Art Coalition Aberdeen offer fantastic programmes that engage and excite service users. I look forward to seeing the coalition continue to match today's success with their exciting arts and crafts, singing, dancing and drama sessions."
Service users who attended the fun day were able to sign up for further classes and workshops with the members of participating groups. They also received golden tickets, which entitled them to free taster sessions with members of the coalition at a later date.