Taking part in art activities and coming together to be creative in a group can have a positive lasting impact on health and wellbeing. Our engagement programme of art workshops continues to go from strength to strength, growing steadily since 2011, to become a wide scaled initiative delivered across a broad cross section of health and care environments in Scotland.
Our workshops aim to encourage creativity and absolutely no prior experience of art is required; the focus is on becoming involved in the process rather than on a final product. Each workshop is unique, inspiring spontaneity, discovery and revelation.
We work with a fantastic team of professional artists who are highly experienced at designing and delivering art workshops in community and care environments. They understand some of the fears and doubts people may have when they first take part and are skilled in facilitation and encouraging creativity.
Doing things I've never done before. Working with other people. Very pleased with what I did-didn't think I'd be able to do it. Workshop participant
People accessing our art workshops are identified by partners we work with including NHS and the community health sector and participants have experienced a range of benefits in taking part. For example:
Improve mental health |
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Contribute to personal development |
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Enhance community spirit |
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I didn’t think that coming along would have that impact...it’s given me some of my confidence back...I didn’t think that was possible Workshop participant
Staff said it was one of the most therapeutic and enjoyable classes that the men had had Volunteer for Alzheimer Scotland art workshop
The people we work with are at the heart of our approach. We work closely with everyone involved to tailor workshops specifically to the needs of the participants with and to suit the setting in which they run. Although workshops are bespoke they may include the following:
Very popular workshops which had a nice informal vibe, flexible to the needs of the service-users which encouraged even the most reluctant art. Great for building confidence and 'trying something new'. Allowed for lots of social interactions. Manager Link Up Womens Support Centre
We are always looking to develop new partnerships and new ways working so if you are interested in our Engagement Programme please get in touch.
I think any opportunity for people who often don't have the chance to focus on their own identity; to come together in a creative environment is such a positive and powerful process. Ali Glanville Jones, Artist
By the end we had all been on a journey and produced surprising work. There was a happy buzz about the place. There were real moments of connection with several members of the group and these insights are a valuable part of the workshops you offer. They show that even when expectations of people are not high, you can make breakthroughs using art. Heather Lucchesi Artist
If you are interested in working with us, please contact Iona McCann, our Outreach Manager on 0131 555 7638 or you can email us outreachmanager@artinhealthcare.org.uk. Alternatively you can use our contact form by clicking on the button below.