Written by Learning Curator, Schools and Community Programme, Owain Hughes

Members of halow’s Crafty Creations group, who visit Watts Gallery every fortnight, were among those being celebrated at the first ever A Reason to Get Up (ARTGU) Awards this summer.

ARTGU is a programme run by the halow project, supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism to develop skills, build confidence, make connections and lead lives with purpose.

For more than a decade, Watts Gallery has been proud to work with halow, welcoming members to explore our exhibitions and get creative through regular art workshops in our Clore and Foyle Studios.

The partnership has grown into much more than a programme of art sessions. Through their time at Watts, members have developed creative skills, contributed to exhibitions and projects, and grown in confidence and independence.

At the end of the academic year, the halow team decided it was time to celebrate the achievement of all the ARTGU participants, and the awards were born.

I was delighted to be asked to represent Watts Gallery and help present the awards to the members of Crafty Creations. Walking onto the stage was made particularly special by a spontaneous round of applause from the familiar faces I know from our workshops.

The awards recognised individual achievements, with personal stories written by the halow team being read aloud as each recipient stood proudly on stage. It was a simple but moving reminder of the progress made by each person and of the importance of having opportunities to learn, create and be part of a community.

Across ARTGU, members have achieved so much over the past year. From creative projects and community exhibitions to fundraising challenges, radio broadcasts and steps into paid employment, the programme provides opportunities for people to discover what they can achieve when given the right support.

The evening also recognised the many people who make these achievements possible, including families, volunteers, staff, supporters and partners.

As a charity, Watts Gallery is committed to making our community programmes accessible and creating opportunities for people of all abilities to engage with art. Partnerships like these are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters, whose donations help us continue funding learning, participation and creative opportunities in our community.

The first awards evening was so successful that it overran, as people lingered, chatted and enjoyed the celebration. It was a fitting end to a year of creativity, friendship and achievement.

After a summer break, ARTGU will return to Watts Gallery in September. We look forward to seeing what they create next.