Art in Mind is a twice weekly Art Group, for residents of Arran living with Mental Ill Health. It was started in 2004, by Arran Visual Arts, in Collaboration with Community Mental Health, NAC Social Work Department and Arran Community Voluntary Services. In 2023, the second group started in response to demand, funded by Arran Community Council's Scottish Power Renewables ’Beinn an Tuirc Windfarm Fund. A part time Coordinator and four new Art Tutors, were recruited to run both groups.
Description
The main aim of Art in Mind is to reduce social isolation, providing a safe and relaxed environment where people can socialise, while being creative. Over the years, this has increased the confidence of individuals attending, and enhanced their feelings of well-being. There is no time limit, so some people have been coming for the twenty years, others come and go, but they all know that the door is open for them to return.
There is a relaxed, friendly and sometimes really industrious atmosphere, not to mention frequent doses of laughter! Time can be spent in group activity and doing your own ‘thing’, with plenty of help, support and advice – often achieving great results.
Some of the comments about the group have been;
‘I enjoy having a purpose and doing homework for the group. It reminds me of going to school, which I loved. I feel better on Saturdays and Sundays when I’ve been to Aim on a Friday’
‘Being able to be myself, friendship, acceptance, understanding, feeling for the first time in my life that I belonged somewhere’.
‘Meeting up with like-minded people, and doing art in a relaxed atmosphere’
The second group started in December 2023, and both groups continue to meet every week, enjoying a wide range of creative pursuits under the guidance of a tutor. One group meets in the Ranger Centre, within National Trust's Brodick Castle Grounds. The other uses part of Brodick village Hall. Transport from the ACVS Transport scheme, assists some members to attand, as well as some Art in Mind Volunteer drivers. Both groups are supported by volunteers who take part in the art activities and help the tutor with materials and setting up the venue etc. The grant from Arran Community Council's Scottish Power Renewables Fund, has made this possible, but in reality has not been sufficient . There is a second year of funding due in October 2024, and Arran Visual Arts intend to advise them of the shortfall. However, the time allowed for the Coordinator of 3 hours per week, has not been enough, and the Art Materials requested by the different Tutors, and cost of ACVS transport, has cost more than originally anticipated.
Arran Council for Voluntary Services Transport costs approx £30 per month = £360
Art Materials Clay £40, Paper £80, Paints £40 = £160
Additional Coordinator Hours 2 hours @ £20 per hour, per month = £480
Total £1,000
Location: The Isle of Arran, is an idyllic place to live, but it's residents experience transport difficulties, both with buses and ferries. The cost of living is higher than the mainland, and there are less statutory services available. As a result social isolation is an issue for many residents.
Proposed on behalf of: Arran Visual Arts is a member organisation with about 90 amateur artist members, which offers weekend Art Workshops and one Art exhibition per year. The Art in Mind project has just celebrated 20 years of life
.jpeg "20 Year Celebration Exhibition held in August")
Most voted