Rowan Alba
Rowan Alba received funding through the Anti-Stigma Arts Fund to deliver a participatory creative project through their CARDS programme
Rowan Alba held 12 art sessions in the education room in the National Portrait Gallery. This is a safe space within the gallery away from public visitors. They provided a space for people to talk about mental health in a non-judgemental environment while participating in creative activities. 6 of the sessions concentrated on an art activity for Edinburgh’s Healing Arts Festival.
They ran training for volunteers in active listening helped improve how we support clients with their mental health. By repeating this activity over several weeks, we allow individuals the opportunity to change and grow their response to certain art works.
They also created an exhibit for the Out of Sight Out of Mind in Summer Hall as part of Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. (further info in next section) https://www.outofsightoutofmind.scot/2024/lower-cafe-basement-gallery.
Project lead Tracey reflected:
Clients feel a great deal of pride in seeing their artwork represented in powerful exhibitions around mental health. Being asked their opinion both in groups and in exhibitions has helped boost confidence and challenge self-stigma.
Participants enjoy feeling part of the group and seeing other people’s work. The trauma-informed space helps people feel relaxed and encourages conversations about difficult subjects. In conversation, clients say they find the sessions cathartic and feel part of a group.