21 Dec 2023 Community

Holmfirth Artweek raises incredible amount of funds for The Kirkwood

Holmfirth Artweek raises £18,000 for The Kirkwood as its fabulous week of events is a huge success. 

We continue to care for hundreds of people across the Kirklees community with a life limiting illness. We can only do this with people’s very generous donations towards The Kirkwood, your donations make a huge difference with every penny going back into patient care. If you would like to make a donation click the link HERE and help us to support life. 

The Holmfirth Artweek has run since 1967 and only missed one year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020. Funds raised from the exhibitions which take place across Holmfirth and the Holme and Colne Valley regions has always gone to charity.

The Artweek runs in July and this year it was as much of a success as in previous years. Chair of the Holmfirth Artweek team, Lynne Onyskiw was particularly pleased with how the week went and the funds they raised for The Kirkwood. 

She said: “The funds we raise had always been donated to a national charity, but we had more and more people asking why we didn't donate to a local charity instead.

“We had talked about making changes to how we distributed the money we raised, and actually Covid seemed to be a pivotal point after which it seemed fitting to make some changes. We are delighted to have raised what we have for The Kirkwood.

“If you have never been, Artweek is a week-long, open art exhibition taking place at the Civic Hall in Holmfirth. There are also extra places around the Holme Valley and Colne Valley regions who open up their doors to artists wanting to exhibit more of their work. 

“This year we had well over 400 artists in the Civic as well as those in the fringe venues. There were all genres of artworks: paintings; sculptures; metalwork; pottery; glass; textiles; wood; jewelry andoften others on display.

“An open exhibition to us means absolutely anyone can apply, we don't have a selection process and very few rules apply, only that the artwork must be new to the Artweek and fit for family viewing. All items must be for sale and we take 20% off all sales to donate to our chosen charities, as well as any money left over from the application fees after the organising costs have been paid out. 

“The organising team are all volunteers, so we don't pay any wages, therefore, after costs have been paid, all monies are donated to our charities.

“For us, Artweek itself is a very busy time, meaning long days and talking to many people and dealing with any problems that arise, but we often get a feel for how well it is going in the main exhibition and how much might be raised.  

“It is often a very pleasant surprise at the actual total as all fringe venue sales also give the 20% to charity, and we don't know until it comes in, how much we will get all together. So it is immensely satisfying when we have the conversation in around October about how much we can give away after all the hard work is over.” 

Lynne believes The Kirkwood is a very special charity and although she doesn't have a personal connection to us, she thinks we are a vital asset to the local community. 

She said: “Over the last few years, I have had the pleasure of working with a few of the Kirkwood's staff in various projects and been invited to various presentations and events, at which I have learnt how much The Kirkwood are doing in the community. 

“Often, videos from relatives, friends or The Kirkwood patients have been a major inspiration to get the message across of how vital they are. The Kirklees community came togethe and helped raise funds to build the hospice site in Dalton and then took it to its heart. I don't think the community yet realise how much The Kirkwood can and will do for them.

“I have not had any personal experiences of family being helped by the hospice, but I know people who have and although the situations have often been harrowing, people only have good things to say about the treatment and care that their loved ones received. 

“I was quite apprehensive about going to the Dalton site for the first time as I didn't know what to expect and thought it would be very sombre and everyone would be walking around quite seriously and mournfully. It is far from that and has a warm and welcoming feeling, while also having a very professional air from the staff and volunteers.

“I have also been on a tour of the gardens with some of the volunteers who help manage the spaces and grow fruit and veg that is used by the kitchens and I work alongside The Kirkwood volunteers too in my day job. I work at Denby Dale library where there is a coffee shop run by The Kirkwood volunteers. We work closely together, as it is better for both organisations, and customers often say how lovely and welcoming the atmosphere is in our building. 

“The Kirkwood also runs various sessions for members of the community in the building such as support and wellbeing sessions as well as sessions about various specific needs.

“One of my daughters was also lucky enough to be chosen to paint one of the Snowdogs for the Kirkwood's Art Trail in 2022, which was a great experience all round, as we got involved throughout that process too at lots of events. 

“Say hello to him if you go to Donaldson's vet hospital, as "Spotter" sits outside welcoming visitors inside. So although I don't have what most people would first think of as a connection, I suppose I have quite a few.

“It is wonderful seeing the work that the doctors and staff are doing, and the testimonies from families that have been helped. It is a good feeling knowing that we have been able to help in a small way by contributing some money. 

“We had a bit of a skeptic in our midst in the Artweek, however after hearing about the work being undertaken and seeing a few films, there was a big turnaround in attitude. It is just a shame that more people do not get or take up the opportunity of seeing the wonderful work being done.

“Thank you to everyone associated with The Kirkwood for all your energy and optimism and hopes for the future.”