Exhibition to Vivify new mental health museum
An exhibition showcasing artwork created by people who use mental health services in Wakefield will go on display at the Mental Health Museum in May.
The artwork has been created by people who have been taking part in Vivify, a project which offers older people in Wakefield – who have experienced mental health difficulties – the opportunity to participate in interactive arts workshops at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP).
The project is jointly developed and delivered by YSP, in partnership with South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust who support it through the Creative Minds initiative.
The exhibition will be on display from Tuesday 13 May and everyone is invited to come along to see it. The Mental Health Museum is located at Fieldhead in Wakefield and is open to members of the public every Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
Gary Cromack, Learning Programme co-ordinator at Yorkshire Sculpture Park explains more about the work delivered through Vivify: “The project provides participants with a safe place to come and feel comfortable; a place where they can take risks and be creative. Somewhere that confidence will grow.”
“We tackle issues of isolation and wellbeing and encourage people to express their thoughts and feelings creatively – using the art and landscape at the Park as their inspiration.
“The confidence this gives participants allows them to forge new paths and connect with family members, friends and the wider community.”
Cara Sutherland, curator at the museum said: “We are delighted to have Vivify as our first guest exhibition at the museum. The project is a real testament to the power of creativity and how it can be a wonderful self-reflective process. We are proud to showcase the work of the project and look forward to seeing more guest exhibitions at the museum in the future.”
The Mental Health Museum at Fieldhead is currently being refurbished and will be opening on Tuesday 13 May 2014.
To find out more about the Mental Health Museum and plans to celebrate its opening, visit www.mentalhealthmuseum.co.uk or like the museum on Facebook.
If you would like to get involved with the project or book a visit please contact the team on 01924 328 654 or email museum@swyt.nhs.uk.
