The Story of Arc: 30 Years of Creativity, Community & Care
Welcome to Arc! If you’re just getting to know us, here’s the story of where we’ve come from, what we believe in, and how creativity has helped us build a community that supports mental health and wellbeing.
Where It All Began
Back in 1995, something special started in Stockport…
A small visual arts project called MAPS (Mind Arts Project in Stockport) took root in the old infirmary on Greek Street. Led by artist Michael Anderson and supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, MAPS was a lifeline for people navigating mental health challenges.
That’s where Jacqui Wood stepped in—first as a creative writing facilitator, then as Assistant Coordinator, then Artistic Director, now our CEO. The programme quickly grew to include writing, music, animation, film, performance, and more.
A New Chapter
In 1997, MAPS moved into an industrial estate in Reddish, where creativity blossomed for over 20 years. There, the team created amazing community projects like the Chadkirk Chapel sculpture trail, colourful Streets Ahead parades, and even a BBC-commissioned radio play, City of Dreams, which aired on World Mental Health Day in 2003.
In 2005, we made it official. MAPS became an independent charity: Arts for Recovery in the Community—or as most people know us, Arc.
Growing with Purpose
As Arc, we broadened our mission. No longer just supporting those in crisis, we embraced prevention and community resilience too. From an award-winning residency at Styal Prison, to young people’s programmes and a community gallery, we built spaces where everyone could feel safe, seen, and supported.
In 2016, we gave our Reddish home a new identity as the Arc Centre, opening our doors to the wider public with exhibitions, events, and hands-on workshops. We also expanded our Arts for Wellbeing work with targeted outreach for older adults, parents, hospital patients, and local communities.
We created our Love Letters projects as community engagements connecting hundreds of residents across the towns of Macclesfield, Glossop, and Oldham through poetry, creativity, and a shared love for their places.
Bigger Ideas, Bigger Impact
With growing confidence came bigger projects.
We were supported by Arts Council England with powerful commissions like Unpicked: Restitched, exploring Stockport’s identity through textiles and storytelling, and The Other in Mother, a touring exhibition on maternal mental health.
In 2018, Stockport Council asked us to lead an arts project marking 100 years since the end of World War I. The result, We Are Dreamers, brought together over 700 people and transformed the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery into a stunning immersive installation seen by more than 5,600 visitors.
Weathering the Storm—and Coming Together
In 2019, we packed up and moved to a brilliant new location in the historic Hat Works building in Stockport town centre. Then… the pandemic hit.
We hadn’t even finished unpacking.
But instead of pausing, we pivoted. Our team, artists, and volunteers pulled together to create Art Pen Pals—sending creative care packages to older and housebound people—and launched Keeping Us Together, regular emails brimming with creative inspiration for all ages and a free online archive of art activities.
We reached out, dropped off materials by hand, by post, online, and stayed connected however we could.
Finding Joy Together Again
As restrictions eased, we partnered with Stockport Council on Stockport Together Again, a joyful celebration of creativity after lockdown. This included an exhibition featuring work by 52 artists and 373 local people, the first ever Stockport Arts and Health Week and the launch of micro-commissions for new creative health projects.
Since then, Stockport Arts and Health Week has become an annual highlight, showcasing everything from artwork and workshops to training and community networking. Our Arts and Health Week micro-commissions have supported 17 artists, reached 290 participants, and helped creativity thrive across Stockport.
So, Where Are We Now?
Today, Arc is more than just a charity—it’s a vibrant, trusted part of the community. We’re proud to be part of local and regional networks like the VCFSE Alliance, Culture Stockport, and the GM Creative Health Partnership. We collaborate with universities, host research projects, and train the next generation of artists and health professionals as well as offering workplace wellbeing sessions for local organisations.
Our home at the Hat Works is a buzzing hub in the heart of Stockport, complete with:
- Regular exhibitions and events
- Saturday Art Clubs and public workshops
- Our very own shop and café
The recent reopening of the Hat Museum and Stockport being named Town of Culture 2024 has brought new energy and fresh faces into our creative spaces. More than ever, people are coming together here—for support, inspiration, and a shared belief that talking about mental health should be normal, open, and safe.
Our Mission Remains
After nearly 30 years, our core purpose is still the same: To use the power of creativity to support mental health, challenge stigma, and build resilience.
We reach thousands of people every year—and we’re just getting started.
Whether you’re here to take part, volunteer, donate, or just explore, you’re welcome at Arc – to create, connect and feel better.
