Our Mission is to help adults with different learning abilities to realise their full potential as individuals by providing craft, design, & general art training. We aspire to develop individual strengths and build on self-esteem and self confidence through the courses and practical work experience we offer.
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Minerva began in 2000 as a non-profit making Social Firm. In 2010 Minerva became a Charity. Today we offer young people and adults with different learning abilities, structured courses in textiles, (silk screen printing, silk painting, stencilling, jewellery making) general art and design, pottery, photography and furniture reclamation created with the aim of developing individual artistic skills, while promoting self-confidence and self-worth. In 2011 we moved to our new premises in Hexham, Northumberland where we have a shop in which students can sell their work and receive a percentage of the sale.
Minerva operates from a core belief and set of values that by teaching valuable and worthwhile skills, students will develop their self-esteem and confidence in their personal ability which encourages life-enhancing skills through self-expression. We also assist with students gaining future employment.
We are a non-profit organisation - any money received through student fees, grants, funding or donations helps to pay for our overheads such as wages, rent, insurance, utilities, training costs for our staff and volunteers. And of course art supplies to deliver activities for our students. We have 2 part time members of paid staff. Our part time administrator would ideally work full time but funds do not allow.
Minerva receives a small amount of funding from student fees and shop sales but relies upon donations and grants to meet its costs. However recent financial pressures have meant that grants we would have hoped to have received have reduced, while the cost of utilities, payroll fees and supplier costs have increased significantly. Passing these costs onto our course fees would eliminate students who would otherwise benefit from what Minerva offers. Minerva is a vital resource for its students as well as a social hub and also helps to fill a hole in the funding cuts made in social care for adults with learning difficulties.