Alchemy Arts are looking for creative young people to showcase their talents as part of a brand-new ‘Colours of COVID’ mental health initiative.

In recent months, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our way of life more than ever before. For some people, being isolated at home has enabled the time to learn new skills. 

Colours of COVID is a new online Health and Arts initiative set up in response to the current pandemic and its impact on mental health. 

It is a ground-breaking and innovative programme developed for those most at need within the BAME community. Participants have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of how creative expression can combat mental health problems in ever-changing circumstances, such as the ones we all currently face.

What things do you remember most from the first COVID-enforced lockdown? Was it taking part in ‘Clap for the NHS’ on your doorstep every week, or George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement?

Could it even be rainbows painted outside your homes, learning a new instrument or coping without friends and loved ones?

Colours of COVID wants young people to harness their creativity and convey their experiences of 2020 through poetry, painting, drawing, dance or even music.

You can send your creative response to the COVID-19 pandemic by emailing ColoursOfCovid@alchemyarts.uk or tagging @Alchemy_Arts on twitter.

Alchemy Arts will be showcasing some of your submissions across our website and digital platforms throughout the remainder of 2020 and beyond. 

Adil Mohammed Javed, Alchemy Arts CEO & Artistic Director, said:

“One of the main reasons I set up Alchemy was to provide an opportunity for young people from the BAME community to express themselves to the best of their abilities.

“Alchemy is all about being the best that you can be. It’s not a competition, it’s an opportunity to better yourself. As an artist, that’s all I ever asked for growing up in the industry.

“As an actor all I wanted was an opportunity to make a difference through my art. Now, I am delighted to provide a platform for people to express themselves, especially during times as crazy as these”.

“We should be encouraging our young people to express themselves through different mediums; be the next writer, poet, artist, painter, musician or animator.

“There’s so much talent and creativity out there that you can be anything that you want to be.

“We hope this new initiative provides an opportunity for people to smile, enjoy themselves, get creative and boost their mental resilience all at the same time.”

Get involved by emailing ColoursOfCovid@alchemyarts.uk or tagging us on Twitter using @Alchemy_Arts.