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Well Issue 3: Autumn/Winter 2003/04
Project Ability art for art's sake...
The emphasis at the Trongate Studios, part of the Project Ability visual arts organisation in Glasgow, is very much on "art", not "therapy".
Based at The Centre for Developmental Arts (CDA), the aim is to provide a safe and supportive artists' resource for people with mental health problems offering facilities for drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, stained glass and digital arts.
"We have around 80 members and, although they must be referred by a social or health care worker, this is not a clinical setting," says Tracy Gorman, Studios co-ordinator. "None of the staff are formally trained in dealing with mental health issues, so members can be expressive without the 'fear' of having their work analysed. We're here purely to help people develop their skills, and through active involvement in the visual arts in an emotionally secure environment, people experience a range of benefits that can positively affect their mental health."
Founded in 1994, the Trongate Studios has been a huge success. No particular ability or experience is required - just enthusiasm - but demand is such that people wishing to become a member must be placed on a waiting list until a space becomes available.
Judith Patterson, a former psychiatric patient and a member for many years, is now on the Project Ability Board of Directors.
"As time has gone by the Studio's role in my life has changed. Initially it was the social benefits they offered that were a real life-saver ... they gave my life some structure and a focus. I then started to learn about ceramics and photography, and I'm now also taking part in some writing workshops. Recently I got the chance to visit North Uist as part of an exchange project with Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre to celebrate the European Year of Disabled People. This trip inspired poetry, photographs and ceramic work which will be shown in a forthcoming group exhibition."
Project Ability, Trongate Studios
Tracy Gorman
Tel: 0141 552 2822
Email:studios@project-ability.co.uk
www.project-ability.co.uk
EAST WEST DIALOGUE is a joint exhibition with Stepping Stones, the Edinburgh-based mental health arts programme, at the Wasps Studio, Stockbridge, Edinburgh from 1-8 October, as part of the Festival of Creativity
and Well-Being. |
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