Exhibition: Making Art Happen
Saturday September 28th – Saturday November 16th 2024
‘Making Art Happen’ is a collective exhibition that shows the impact of Stockport’s Art and Health Micro-Commissions.
We funded 3 participatory Arts and Health projects and 2 micro-exhibitions in 2023. The commissions provided stepping-stone funding for artists, facilitators or groups to explore creative ideas and projects that supported better mental health for people in Stockport.
The projects were all completed successfully by March 2024. Artforms involved were varied, including ceramics, photography, creative writing, music and movement and recycled art.
It’s been inspiring to see how the projects have impacted not only their participants, but have also helped each of the creatives to develop and steer their own practice, boost their creative project management and facilitation skills, and increase their connections.
The exhibition will showcase the impact of the participatory projects and the photography and ceramics work developed.
It is the perfect showcase for one of the reasons Arc is here – to nurture and sustain the arts and health sector for the benefit of creatives, as well as participants.
Funding Recipients
Anastassia Zamaraeva, ’Multiple Sclerosis Through Clay’, exploring the Anastassia’s dad’s experience of living with MS for 20+ years.
Louisa Mayman, ’Today Years Old’, photographs of those aged 100+, celebrating life and confronting how we disregard our ageing society.
Jan Stone, ‘Stockport Songs and Smiles’, a multi-generational music project working with 0-4 year olds and those in care homes.
Jaime Starr, ‘Queer and Now: Creative Writing for LGBTQ+ Wellbeing’, creative writing for those experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Andrea Ainsworth, ‘What Happens When it Doesn’t Happen?’, exploring mental health and infertility.
Mo Fox, ‘Repurposing for Art’s Sake’, making recycled art with migrant communities living in hotels.
“I really can’t believe how far I have come – I’m definitely living, and I have got this!”
“This project has definitely enriched my practice in both a technical and concept sense.”
“Receiving the micro-commission has substantially improved my confidence as a facilitator.”
You can watch this 6 minute film showing the impact that these small pots of funding have had, and come along to the exhibition in our lovely space at Hat Works to really immerse yourself in what the projects were all about and view the striking final pieces by Anastassia Zamaraeva and Louisa Mayman.
‘Making Art Happen’ launches on September 28th from 10:30-15:00 with a Saturday Art Club, including creative activities suitable for ages 3+ in our dedicated Art Studio. This month we’ll be trying Recycled Paper Weaving, and Ceramic (air dry) Slugs and Snails, plus Self Care Creatives will join us to experiment with watercolour pencil art. Activities are suitable for age 3+, and we suggest a donation of just £3pp to take part in all of them.
The exhibition continues on Thursdays and Fridays 10:00-16:00 and Saturdays 11:00-15:00 until 15:00 on November 16th.
Why not double up a visit with a Stockport Arts and Health Week event from October 10th-18th?
The Micro Commissions were awarded by Arc and part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and as of #StockportTownofCulture.
