Funding secured for project exploring the role of arts in care

July 18, 2017 at 9:30 am

Users of the the Lifestyles centre will be given the opportunity to take part in a new arts project. Pictured are users of Lifestyles, with the manager of the service Ross Groundwater and arts officer Antony Mottershead. Left to right they are David Sutherland, manager of Lifestyles Ross Groundwater, John Kent, Kathleen Thomson, James Tulloch, Rhoda Halcro and Arts Officer Antony Mottershead.

A project in Orkney, which will enable the users of a local service for adults with disabilities to participate in creative workshops has received funding through the Orkney LEADER programme.

Under the initiative, users of Orkney Health and Care’s Lifestyles Service will also create a lasting work of art.

A local artist will be commissioned to work closely with service users, volunteers and staff at Lifestyles, encouraging participation in a number of hands-on workshops.

A ‘work-in-progress’ exhibition is planned for Spring 2018 whilst the artist and participants work towards a co-produced art work for permanent display within the centre.

The service, which is situated at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall, opened in 2015 and supports adults with a wide range of learning disabilities.

Antony Mottershead, the Council’s Arts Officer, designed the project alongside Ross Groundwater, the manager of the Lifestyles Service. He said: “We see this collaborative project as a valuable opportunity to explore further the role of arts in health and social care settings and the benefits to participants.

“Projects like this enable service users to participate in activities and opportunities that many of us take for granted, enabling individuals to express themselves in new and different ways.”

Artists interested in finding out more should contact Antony on 01856 873535 ext 2406 or email antony.mottershead@orkney.gov.uk for an initial discussion. A brief can also be viewed on the Council website here.