Information taken from Helix Arts: -
In 1986 Helix Arts - as Artists' Agency - initiated a residency for two artists to work with former psychiatric patients in Sunderland, linked to a successful residency programme at Cherry Knowle Hospital. Since then the project has flourished independently, and more than a decade and a half later the studio continues to develop its service. Initially, artists Derek Hill and Chris Sell established an open access studio in central Sunderland, and sought out former patients of the hospital and people using associated services. The studio didn't offer skills training, rather explains Derek, people who came shared in the creative process: "it is very much self-motivating." By the end of the first year, opening had been extended from two and a half, to five days a week. There was an exhibition at Sunderland Art Gallery and Museum, and two participants began Fine Art degree courses. Many studio artists began to share their newly found skills with others through an ongoing programme of workshops and commissions.
The studio continued to thrive and in 1988 moved to larger premises in the city, where access was again extended, to seven days a week. As one participant put it: "The Studio. A haven of peace, friendship and creative industry."
The studio has now moved again to new premises where it is still going strong: - the art studio - sunderland
Although mainly stripped, there were a few interesting things still lying about which made for quite a nice explore. I liked this place a lot. Visited with Stranton.
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In 1986 Helix Arts - as Artists' Agency - initiated a residency for two artists to work with former psychiatric patients in Sunderland, linked to a successful residency programme at Cherry Knowle Hospital. Since then the project has flourished independently, and more than a decade and a half later the studio continues to develop its service. Initially, artists Derek Hill and Chris Sell established an open access studio in central Sunderland, and sought out former patients of the hospital and people using associated services. The studio didn't offer skills training, rather explains Derek, people who came shared in the creative process: "it is very much self-motivating." By the end of the first year, opening had been extended from two and a half, to five days a week. There was an exhibition at Sunderland Art Gallery and Museum, and two participants began Fine Art degree courses. Many studio artists began to share their newly found skills with others through an ongoing programme of workshops and commissions.
The studio continued to thrive and in 1988 moved to larger premises in the city, where access was again extended, to seven days a week. As one participant put it: "The Studio. A haven of peace, friendship and creative industry."
The studio has now moved again to new premises where it is still going strong: - the art studio - sunderland
Although mainly stripped, there were a few interesting things still lying about which made for quite a nice explore. I liked this place a lot. Visited with Stranton.
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