Art with a Heart

Art with a Heart (AWAH) is a volunteer-led arts and heritage charity founded by artist Karen Wroe in 2011. Based in Altrincham town centre, AWAH creates welcoming opportunities for people to take part in creative activities, learn skills and connect with others.

AWAH grew from Around the World in 80 Artists, a major international exhibition that brought artists together and raised £12,000 for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. Collaboration has remained central to their work ever since.

AWAH deliver creative groups, workshops, exhibitions, heritage displays and community projects at their Altrincham venue and through outreach across Trafford. Their regular activities include Crochet and Chat, Mosaic and Mingle and Free Creative Space. Beginners are welcome alongside people wishing to develop their skills, work on their own projects or contribute to collaborative community projects.

Their collaborative projects have included making twiddle muffs for people living with dementia in local care homes, creating handmade items for the maternity unit at Wythenshawe Hospital, and producing community yarnbombing and public art across Trafford. These projects enable people to use their creative skills to contribute to causes and communities beyond the sessions themselves.

They also work with schools, community groups, charities and local partners, and provide volunteering and skills development opportunities, including support for young people completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Whether you want to try a new creative activity, develop an existing skill, volunteer or take part in a wider community project, Art with a Heart offers a friendly and supportive place to get involved.