An art exhibition, called Carnival, showcasing the creative talents of people with mental health needs, learning disabilities and dementia, is coming to Bristol’s Paintworks later this month (June).
The annual exhibition is hosted by social care provider Milestones Trust. The charity uses its Expressions arts programme to help people learn new skills, make new friends and build confidence, which in turn helps with their wellbeing.
As with previous exhibitions, ‘Carnival’ will showcase the culmination of months of hard work from a number of projects, including film to textiles and painting to pottery. It has been curated by art consultant Louise Copping, who is renowned for her love of bright colours and extravagance so expect a show that channels creativity and fun.
Louise said: “It has been a wonderful opportunity to take on this project and help the Trust in bringing their incredible Expressions arts programme to life through our ‘Carnival’ show. It really does highlight the importance of using the creative arts in care and support environments – not hiding talents away but embracing and sharing them to help build people’s confidence and showcase accessible arts.”
Highlights of the show include carnival inspired paintings and ceramics from the Trust’s Art for Wellbeing groups, and a film entitled ‘Electric Parade’ that is the result of a collaboration between participants across a range of settings in Weston-Super-Mare and Bristol. The aim is to bring an immersive experience of ‘carnival’ from the perspective of the participants to the audience. In the words of one participant, the experience of making the film has been “a great opportunity for residents to be involved in a project that has an impact - a project that reaches out to the community.”
‘Carnival’ will also be home to The Performance Tent which will showcase the work of poet Tim Burroughs and actress Marion Brazier, who have been working with residents from various Milestones Trust homes, introducing them to the delights of the spoken word. Paul Deaton, Winner of the SaveAs Writers International Poetry Competition 2016, will also read a selection of his poetry and run a ‘drop in’ workshop in the Performance Tent.
Carnival will also feature activities such as watercolour painting, sculpture making and poetry performance, plus various workshops. There will be music throughout the weekend from local musicians, as well as delicious food, including vegetarian and vegan options. ‘Carnival’ is a free event open to the public with a fully accessible changing room and Mobiloo on site.
For more information visit www.milestonestrust.org.uk or call 0117 9709 300.