WELCOME to DIVA



'HANDS ON' SPECIAL EDITION
Our 15th Anniversary edition of the Hands On newsletter is now out and about across the district. Member groups will have received copies and it is available to the general public from main libraries and community centres.

DIVA was born out of a unique pilot project, set up in Wakefield, to provide support for voluntary arts groups across district. Wakefield is fortunate to have many such voluntary arts groups and for the past 15 years DIVA has worked hard providing them with information and advice; offering grants and training; forging links between professional and amateur artists; holding events and exhibitions; publicising and promoting their work and building a strong, supportive network in the process.
Often overlooked and unsung, voluntary arts groups are a prime example of the self reliance and creativity to be found within communities. They bring together like-minded people to share skills and creativity, strengthening friendships and social cohesion, and research shows that taking part leads to happier healthier individuals. Put simply, they make the district's towns and villages better places to be and DIVA is proud to be an advocate on their behalf. Those who talk about a 'Big Society' need look no further!

You can find out more about some of Wakefield's voluntary arts groups in our special edition of 'Hands On' and you can keep up to date with their activities by visiting our 'what's on' page.

The voluntary arts community in Wakefield has a long and proud history - some of our member groups have been around a lot longer than DIVA, 20, 50, even 100 years! They are an important part of the district's heritage and should be cherished. More importantly, they embody the values and spirit that will help communities face the future, with all its challenges. They deserve to be supported and celebrated and DIVA is happy to have spent the last 15 years doing just that!

National Voluntary Arts Week
National Voluntary Arts Week takes place between 12-20 May this year. This is a national event, inspired by London 2012 and local organisations are encouraged to become involved. There are more details to be found at www.voluntaryartsweek.org


COULD YOUR GROUP BE DIVA MEMBER?
If you would like to join DIVA's thriving network of voluntary arts just visit out Members page and find out how.

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For details of the many voluntary arts groups across the Wakefield District check out the
DIVA ARTS DIRECTORY

To list your group on the DIVA Arts Directory contact : infodiva@pop3.poptel.org.uk

DIVA Funders 2011/12

WHERE ARE WE?
DIVA
4, Charlotte Yard,
Charlotte Street,
Wakefield, WF1 1UB
Tel: 01924 383773
e-mail us at diva@pop3.poptel.org.uk

Click HERE to see who we are...

Become a DIVA member...
click HERE to find out how

ENCOURAGING ART AND WELLBEING
DIVA is the development agency for voluntary arts in the Wakefield District, and our aim is to increase opportunities for both voluntary groups and individuals to take part in the arts. Thousands of people in the District take part in arts activities every week. For many people this is through involvement with voluntary groups.

There are over 150 arts groups in the District including bands, choirs, art groups, readers groups, theatre groups and film groups. There are also resident groups, healthcare groups and general social welfare organisations who run art activities, sometimes providing their members with the first taste of getting involved in the arts.

The Wakefield District is made up of a very wide range of people and groups. DIVA recognises that this diversity is
what gives the District its unique character. We therfore aim to make all our projects, events and services as widely available as possible.

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