A display of craft and printmaking, created by people from across Tayside with long-term health conditions, was launched this week at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA).
The celebration reception to mark the conclusion of the summer programme was held in the DCA Create Space where a selection of the art work by participants will be on display until Sunday, 12 December.
The collection of lino cut prints, stencil and vinyl textiles and 2D and 3D felting works were created by participants of the ST/ART@DCAautumn school programmes as part of Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust’s (THAT), a well established partnership with the DCA learning programme.
The partnership classes returned this autumn and ran throughout November. The programme included the introduction of new textile craft sessions as well as the return of the ever popular linocut class.
DCA learning staff, freelance tutors, and THAT staff all worked closely with 10 participants living with long-term conditions such as stroke, brain injury, long COVID and chronic pain.
The participants worked in small groups for the different programmes to create amazing artwork. They learned the multi layered process of reduction linocut printing and enjoyed wet felting and discovered the wonder of iron on vinyl.
Some of the participants’ comments included:
• “It has helped me mentally, being out and socialising in the workshop.”
• “It was nice to do something different and out of my comfort zone. Could not have done this a few months ago.”
• “Had a good laugh, exchanged stories, took part in conversations, good fun! Made me get up out of bed and feel like I achieved something.”
• “Being in the workshop with other people who have had similar experiences to me benefitted my wellbeing.”
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THAT project coordinator Chris Kelly said, “The reception in the DCA is a great way to mark the completion of the autumn schools and showcase the work we have done with new craft based approaches. It’s another small step in working face-to-face with our participants again.
“Even in smaller groups, the opportunity to work together and share the creative experience has been really important for everyone. Displaying and celebrating such great work acknowledges their achievements and lets them invite family and friends to see what they have been working on.”
Scott Hudson, DCA learning coordinator, said, “The ST/ART@DCA project continues to be an important strand of our programming as we transition back to activity based work in the building. We all enjoy having everyone here and are delighted to have had such a good autumn programme.
“The ST/ART@DCA partnership works with socially distanced classes and so we can deliver safe and effective classes. We were able to support everyone while meeting all the COVID guidance. We are always aiming to bring people into DCA who may otherwise think that this kind of activity is beyond their abilities and this is a very strong example of partnership working in the community.”
The ST/ART@DCA display is open to the public from Wednesday 8 December to Sunday 12 December between 11am and 6pm in the Create Space, ground floor level. You must wear a face covering unless you are exempt.
ST/ART is an arts project primarily for stroke and acquired brain injury participants across Tayside, which is run by THAT in association with NHS Tayside.
With thanks to the Alexander Moncur Trust, Northwood Trust and The George and Grace Thomson Trust.