WE ARE HANDMADE PARADE
You may know the name from our events but we're also an innovative and inspiring organisation - a small team of dedicated people who believe in the power of the arts for social change. For over 13 years, we've been bringing people together to co-create wonderful art and spectacular events, building community connections and empowering others to dream big. We're only small but have BIG impact: over a million people have participated in our projects since 2008! People like Sonna, a young girl you'll hear in our video; like Margaret who volunteers her time and skills every year; and Ruth, a grandmother, for whom making in the Handmade Parade workshop with her whole family is the highlight of her year.
YOU - OUR AUDIENCE, PARTICIPANTS AND COMMUNITIES - ARE AT THE HEART OF OUR WORK
You’ve worked with us to create powerful group memories, by participating in workshops, volunteering time, joining our exuberant audience and generously donating funds. With your help, we’ve been able to reach vulnerable members of society and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in creative activities.
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19
Times are always tough for small, independent arts organisations - and especially those outside of London. We don't get any regular funding from the government, we don't have wealthy patrons or big corporate partners - but by being Yorkshire-style thrifty, creative, determined - and with your support - we've managed to stick around. Until COVID19. The pandemic completely stopped Handmade Parade in its tracks. There was no summer parade in Hebden Bridge and no Lamplighter in Todmorden for 2yrs running! All our usual sources of income - grants and contracts to deliver work - dried up and things were worryingly unsteady. We weren't sure that we'd survive.
OUR PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
We didn't take it lying down. We applied for funding, developed new COVID-safe work and our amazing supporters and community came together for us, making donations large and small that saw us through those dark times when we needed it most. We will be forever grateful for the love and support that we were shown by everyone who supported our survival. We're still not entirely out of the woods but with your continued help, we'll continue to fight and grow.
Together, we’ve been reclaiming streets and public spaces, with giant puppets, stilt-walkers, drummers, dancers and a huge amount of cardboard for well over a decade.
We’ve been changing people’s lives for the better and with your support, we’ll continue to make that joyful noise.
