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Prescap kite workshop
Prescap (Preston Community Arts Project) uses visual art in a dynamic way to support urban regeneration and community development. Their project work is issue based and falls into five categories: race, gender, disability, health and the environment. They prioritise work with individuals, groups and communities who are marginalised and often rejected and undervalued by society. Prescap aim to give these groups a voice. Using discussion and creative activity with the aim of raising awareness of issues within the group and wider community.

I was asked to run two days of training workshops for Prescap artists, during July 2002, in their well equipped resource centre. In the first session I covered the history and development of kites, followed by basic construction techniques. Materials used to construct the kites included carbon fibre, ripstop nylon and plywood to make kite handles.

Prescap artists constructed large deltas, windsocks and flowforms. The kites were made to be flown later at the City of Preston Mela Festival, a celebration of the art and culture of southern Asia. Pictured above are Chantal Oakes and Roberto Fontaine with their large delta. Karen and Bernie are holding a flowform with an applique Prescap logo.