We commission artists to explore this question through exhibitions, installations, intergenerational projects and creative workshops, participatory events, community partnerships, and artist residencies at Orleans House Gallery.
The Play & Imagine programme is driven by our desire to support the wellbeing of our local communities, families and children in a world that is increasingly hostile for many. We support artists and communities to take part in and create playful and imaginative moments which explore the impact of play and imagination on our lives. By incorporating play and imagination into our work as Richmond Arts Service, and a contemporary art gallery, we hope to help support the mental wellbeing of our communities, children and families through culture.
We hope that through working creatively in collaboration with communities and artists we will ensure that the importance and benefits of play and imagination across generations are recognised and valued.
Play & Imagine is about:
- Space
- Trust
- Risk and experimentation
- Freedom and time
- Wellbeing and health
- Creativity and curiosity
- Community and connectedness
- Learning and flexibility
- Friendships and relationships
“Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. In the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC), play is identified as a basic human right: Article 31: “The right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities” – Play England
