July - 27th - September 21st

We’re excited to launch a new exhibition celebrating artwork and products designed by Arc’s emerging artists who took part in ‘Creative Enterprise’, our wellbeing programme of support and development.

The exhibition will put a spotlight on varied collections of ethical products and artwork created by the artists, including jewellery, ceramics, self-care boxes, macramé, cyanotype and a line developed in a project led by Greater Manchester-based visual artist Kim Hubball. These unique and high quality pieces can truly be described as life-changing, with money raised from sales in Arc’s Handmade Shop, at maker markets and through local stockists directly supporting our Creative Wellbeing programmes and going back into supporting the artist-makers.

Help to celebrate the fantastic achievement of this group of makers, all of whom have overcome their own mental health challenges before committing to their own development and support of Arc through creating products for sale by the charity.

Discover the artists’ journeys; from joining the programme through to conception, development and completion, the stories behind the products and what the making process has meant to each of them.

Artists like Anne. Anne said of the project,

“My creative skills and abilities have increased tenfold. I actually believe in myself and what I can achieve.” 

Shop for yourself – the products will be available to buy straight from the exhibition!

The Creative Enterprise programme is a follow-on pathway for participants at the recovery end of their journey at Arc. It’s ideal for participants who are ready to take active steps forward by building new transferable skills and experiences, alongside developing their own creativity and artistic practice. 

Participants explore all aspects of enterprise from product concept, design and development to packaging, pricing and marketing, with opportunities to sell final pieces directly to customers in Arc’s Handmade Shop, Arc events and even at local makers markets. Participants explore a range of commercial art forms and crafts, which have included surface pattern design, textiles, jewellery making, printmaking, illustration and many more. Arc’s shop provides a public-facing platform for the final products, which helps to generate funding for Arc’s wellbeing programmes. 

Many of the participants have an interest in making their own products and artwork, so were interested in learning further skills for potentially running businesses themselves. Some past participants have gone on to make their own products and even sell at markets.

This year Enterprise has been fortunate to receive support and match funding from the School for Social Entrepreneurs’ Community Business Trade up programme. This programme has enabled Arc to invest in new packaging design, employ local artists to facilitate and explore new product ranges. The school also has provided training to Arc staff to help develop the programme further. 

Arc’s Operations Manager and SSE Project Lead Harriet Wilson said,

”I’m so impressed by what they have achieved. From stunning contemporary print designs to detailed natured-inspired ceramic art and quirky little Hat Works, these products are really different and special. We’re so proud of them! It’s wonderful to see how far the participants have come; gaining confidence and new skills whilst supporting each other’.”

Made to Make a Difference launches on July 27th at the same time as Arc’s monthly Saturday Art Club which will include creative activities suitable for ages 3+ in our dedicated Art Studio. This month we’ll be Simulating Cyanotype, Inventing Our Own Comic Superheroes or Villains and collaborate on a Mixed Media Sea Scene!

The exhibition continues on Thursdays and Fridays 10:00-16:00 and Saturdays 11:00-15:00 until 15:00 on September 21st.