HIDDEN PLACES

Today begins a nine-week project at The Forensic Unit at the Newsam Centre in Seacroft Hospital.

This programme of work is in partnership with Arts and Minds and Pyramid of Arts and is called 'Hidden Places'.  An intriguing name, chosen because we wanted to reflect how our work is often in 'hidden places', places in which most people cannot go, environments which are challenging.  Often we are working with the most vulnerable people, a lot of the time their stories aren't heard.

Artlink's project seeks to work with male and female patients within locked wards on the unit.  This is a secure unit - individuals are here because they have committed a crime and are held under the Mental Health Act.

As we begin today, we are not sure how the project will unfold, who will take up the challenge and the impact on those who choose to get involved.  What we do know is we'll be introducing patients to an array of artistic techniques, led by two of our experienced artists - open to all patients, regardless of whether they're a Picasso or someone who thinks they 'can't do art'. Over the forthcoming weeks, the project will be documented on here with photos, quotes from participants and the thoughts of the artists involved; Milena Dragic and Kevin Hickson.

Finally, we are working towards an event in early October where the work of both projects will be showcased and shared with those who work in this area or want to know a bit more about it.

Follow us on here over the next nine weeks to see how the project unfolds.