Wishing Path – Art of Wishes

Project Summary

Wishing Path: Art of Wishes is a creative wellbeing project that brings together Springburn residents, displaced Ukrainians, and volunteers through art, mindfulness, and community collaboration.
The project will transform part of Springburn Park into a colourful “Avenue of Wishes” — twelve beautifully painted benches, each representing a universal human value such as Health, Peace, Love, Hope, and Gratitude.
In parallel, participants will join art-for-wellbeing workshops called “Art of Wishes”, creating personal artworks reflecting emotions, gratitude, and aspirations.
Together, these activities promote emotional resilience, inclusion, and self-expression while strengthening community bonds and creating a lasting wellbeing space in Springburn.
This project directly supports the aims of the Glasgow Wellbeing Fund by addressing social isolation, promoting emotional resilience, and creating sustainable wellbeing opportunities through creativity and connection.

Project Aims

1.Promote mental wellbeing through creative art and mindfulness.
2. Reduce isolation and foster social connections across diverse communities.
3. Support women, single parents, and people with disabilities through inclusive participation.
4. Create a permanent public artwork symbolising unity, gratitude, and hope.
5. Strengthen volunteering, community pride and wellbeing in Springburn.

Planned Activities

Component 1 – Art in the Park (“Avenue of Wishes”)
- Repainting 12 park benches with themes like Health, Love, Hope, and Gratitude.
- Guided by a professional artist, supported by volunteers and residents.
- Includes design, painting, mindfulness workshops, and a public celebration event.
- Installation of a community board explaining each theme.

Component 2 – Art for Wellbeing (“Art of Wishes”)
- 12 creative wellbeing workshops in Springburn.
- Participants create “wish art”: gratitude cards, mandalas, and dream paintings.
- Sessions combine art, reflection, and mindfulness.
- Final exhibition and digital gallery on the ProUA Hub website.

Target Groups

The project is open to all North Glasgow residents, with a focus on those most likely to benefit from community-based wellbeing support:
- Displaced Ukrainians and refugees rebuilding their lives;
- Local residents of Springburn and Robroyston, including long-term and new arrivals;
- Women and single mothers experiencing isolation or stress;
- Adults (16+) facing anxiety, depression, or loneliness;
- People with disabilities or long-term health conditions;
- Volunteers, artists, and neighbours wishing to contribute creatively.
The project is fully inclusive — venues are wheelchair accessible, free to attend, and translation support will be available for Ukrainian participants. Materials and seating will be adapted for accessibility.

Wellbeing Impact

Participants will experience improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a sense of belonging through creative expression and outdoor collaboration.
They will build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness while developing friendships and purpose through art and mindfulness.
This project contributes to wellbeing drivers:  emotional resilience, connection to others, inclusion, mobility, sense of purpose, support for distress, and creative learning.

Partnerships

- ngHomes – housing association supporting resident engagement and volunteering.
- Springburn Unity Network – coordination of local volunteers and community links.
- Spirit of Springburn – joint cultural events and promotion.
- Local artists and wellbeing facilitators – mentoring and creative guidance.

Community & Sustainability

Local volunteers and residents will continue maintaining and refreshing the benches annually.
Through ngHomes and Springburn Unity Network, new volunteers will be recruited for ongoing park improvement days.
A QR-linked “Wish Map” and online gallery will preserve project outcomes digitally, ensuring long-term visibility and engagement.

Monitoring and Reporting

We will monitor attendance, collect feedback, and record pre/post wellbeing reflections.
The coordinator and bookkeeper will prepare a short monitoring report including photos, participant stories, and a financial summary.

Quote for Publicity

“Sit, breathe, and make a wish. Together, we paint hope into our community.”

Summary

Wishing Path: Art of Wishes combines creativity, mindfulness, and connection to support mental wellbeing, reduce isolation, and celebrate unity in diversity.
It reflects the Wellbeing Fund’s vision for inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven wellbeing across Glasgow.