What We Do
Art Ease is a Sefton based Community Interest Company whose aim is to remove barriers to the arts, reduce isolation and loneliness, and support people with their wider wellbeing through the facilitation of free and low cost Arts workshops in the North West.
Our story
Art Ease CIC was founded by Southport based illustrator, Emmy Porter. Emmy began her professional journey as a dedicated Nurse in the NHS, where she developed a deep understanding of care and community. However, her passion for creativity led her to pursue a career as an illustrator, blending her compassion with her artistic talents.
To bring these two worlds together, she founded Art Ease, a community interest company based in Southport. Art Ease is committed to breaking down barriers to the arts, reducing isolation and loneliness, and enhancing wellbeing through free and low-cost arts workshops. By combining her healthcare background with her artistic vision, Emmy creates meaningful opportunities for people to connect, express themselves, and thrive.
“I haven’t used a pen for over 10 years, Emmy helped me re-learn how to write my own name”
— Brian - from our Art Ease dementia group
What We’ve Achieved
Completed a pilot scheme of workshops within a dementia day center setting, helping numerous service users and their families and achieving 100% positive feedback from all involved.
Successfully bid for funding from The National Lottery, allowing us to host 80 fully funded workshops in 2025.
Acquired a studio and workshop space which will allow us to run our workshops from a safe, warm and inviting place - set within the beautiful Wayfarers Arcade, in the heart of Southport’s town centre.
Links with local services such as GP practices and community groups, which we hope to grow in 2025!