User:JoCeppy/North Tyneside Art Studio

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North Tyneside Art Studio aims to improve the lives of adults who experience mental health issues. It is is aimed at residents of North Tyneside, who are over 18 and are referred by a Community Treatment Team professional or GP because of a mental health issue. The service is free, with basic painting, drawing and ceramic materials provided, with staff being on hand to offer guidance and support.

The studio is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, with some evening and weekend opening and offers daily workshops, many of which are led by professional artists, plus opportunities to participate in projects, exhibitions and trips.

The studio doesn't offer counselling or therapy, but engages people to develop skills as artists and gain confidence in a safe, supportive and creative community.

History
North Tyneside Art Studio began as a six-month, artist's residency at the Psychiatric Department of the North Tyneside General Hospital in 1990, which was set up by The Artists' Agency (now Helix Arts), working with artist Alan Vaughan. The residency aimed to support and build relationships with patients, prior to the ward's closure as part of the Care in the Community initiative.

This project proved extremely successful and gained political support to continue, moving into the Linskill Centre and establishing itself as North Tyneside Art Studio in 1991.

Over the intervening years, the studio has grown from a handful of participants to supporting over 200 people per year who experience mental health issues, engaging with them in a wide range of creative activities, art forms and projects.

In 2016, the Heritage Lottery Fund supported the Studio's 25th anniversary celebrations, collecting oral histories, creating an archive and celebrating its contribution to the local area over the years. Results from this project can be found on the history page of the project's website.

25th anniversary
To mark it's 25th Anniversary, North Tyneside Art Studio, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, brought back founding artist Alan Vaughan to work with people at the studio to create an art film inspired by Carnival traditions and the transformative nature of the studio.

Funding & Awards
It relies on grants from Trusts and Foundations. Individual donations can be by money, or by people donating art materials or their time.