From Phone Booths to Art Galleries: Salvation Army Dials Up Community Creativity
By Jill Dando News
A Salvation Army community drop-in is transforming Heckmondwike by participating in a unique project that turns old phone boxes into art galleries.
Their "Friday Friends" café, celebrating its first anniversary, offers a warm space, friendship, and affordable children's activities.
The church has partnered with Creative Scene arts organization and Keep Hecky Tidy to create art installations for renovated phone boxes.
The eight-week 'People Powered Project' aims to make art accessible while beautifying the town, with peace-themed artwork planned for display during the festive period.
Janet Devine, Corps Sergeant Major, explains: "Friday Friends is a relaxed environment where people can enjoy tea, but we also want to offer activities. We're not only a warm space, but a friendship space – we call it church on a Friday."
Freelance artist Rachael Gorton leads sessions involving discussion, drawing, and collaging.
The project has sparked conversations about inner peace, nature, and peaceful local spaces.
As participant Sam, a Salvation Army volunteer, notes, "This involves everyone, not just people who would consider themselves 'artists'. It's giving them a voice."
The phone boxes, which are listed buildings, have been transformed from vandalized structures into community assets through collaboration with local businesses and groups.
Anyone interested can join the sessions at Heckmondwike Salvation Army in Barracks Street between 10am and 12pm on Fridays.
