Get Creative supports a group of six artists. They have learning disabilities, mental health issues or receive other types of health care in the community. Weekly sessions act as a pop-up studio space for the artists. With one-on-one support from a professional workshop leader and our team of volunteers, group members work on their own art projects.
The artists attending pay for this support using their ‘personal budgets’. Personal budgets are allocated to residents by their local council. They help with social care and support needs.
City Arts is very rare and possibly unique in managing to fund participatory work with people with mental health problems through Personal Independence Payments. This is important as so many arts organisations are struggling to find ways to fund this work and NHS funding is rarely forthcoming.
David Cutler – Director, Baring Foundation
Empowering Artists
Members of our Get Creative group do all kinds of art. It ranges from painting and drawing, to print-making, textiles and sculpture. Sometimes they work on their own artistic project. Other times, they take part in inspirational creative activities set by the workshop leader. Our workshop leaders are skilled at adapting to people’s interests and needs. There are also chances to take part in exhibitions run by City Arts.
Promoting Wellbeing
Thanks for being so understanding to how I feel.
Get Creative Participant
Attending Get Creative helps participants manage their stress and anxiety. It helps to prevent social exclusion. We aim to create a safe and joyful space for participants to improve their wellbeing. The group also support each other. Many participants enjoy it so much they have been attending for years.
Project Team
-
Dominique Cunnington
Workshop Leader -
Mandy Wilson
Volunteer -
Daisy Whiteman-Ley
Volunteer -
Mary Parker
Volunteer
