Front Lounge and Abertay Travel teamed up to deliver the arts and crafts boxes to young families and single people struggling with isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Having initially ordered contents to fill 15 boxes for some of the young people in the charity’s network, Front Lounge project leader Chika Inatimi was soon bombarded with interest from householders throughout Dundee, Angus and Perthshire. 

The boxes are packed with a variety of mixed arts and crafts materials from pens, pastels and paints to canvas, charcoals and disposable cameras, inspirational quotes and a brief to create as much art as possible.

In around 10 days time, the art will be collected with the creations revealed during a live, online show, also featuring dance and music performers.

Jacqueline Goodall, final year art student at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and Hope Hub Lead Artist, said: “The situation we’re all in is unprecedented and having a huge effect on everyone, especially those living alone, parents or people who were already struggling with their mental health. By creating and taking each Hope Box to a different home, we can check in on people who might be struggling, give them a focus and remind them they’re not alone, connecting people through art and creating a different kind of community.

“We’re essentially asking people what hope means to them, and translate that into some form of art, so the online show will celebrate that and provide a permanent record of some of the more positive aspects of this incredibly difficult time.”

Before the COVID-19 lockdown set in, Front Lounge had intended to run monthly Hope Hub events across Scotland, providing a safe place for people affected by mental health challenges. The Hope Box project allows Front Lounge to continue these efforts, bridging isolation through art.

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.