What does Arty-Folks offer me?
Arty-Folks is more than just making art: we offer you a safe environment where you can be yourself and don’t have to put on a mask (unless we make one of course☺). We accept each other as we are, and we respect each other’s space. We are keen to learn from each other, to have a laugh, to talk about anything of interest. Making Art is a positive activity that offers you bite-size challenges to increase your personal strength. Over time we hope you will be able to reclaim self-esteem and self-confidence, and develop a lust for life. back to top
What kind of art will I do?
We work with a wide range of materials (clay, paints, plaster, wax, charcoal, glass, wire, etc.) and we show you how to experiment with them. For example with clay, we show you how to do a thumb pot, but what you turn it into is up to you and we will encourage you to use your imagination. Typically, we all work with the same materials for 4-6 weeks and then move to the next project together. back to top
Does it matter whether I’ve done any art before?
No, we welcome total beginners to art students and professionals in the field. Most people haven’t done any art since school and often didn’t have the best experience there. Others already have a good grounding in the arts or work as Illustrators, Graphic designers, etc., but you don’t need any previous experience to join. What matters is that you are willing to try new things, to experiment, and to enjoy yourself while being creative in a group. back to top
Can you help me to get to Arty-Folks?
No, we do not give hands-on support to attend. Arty-Folks should be part of your own recovery journey, and making it to the workshops out of your own steam is a successful step in that direction. But, if you would prefer to attend the first session with a friend or support worker please feel free to bring them with you. back to top
Where is it?
We are in Lower Holyhead Road, which is inside the Ringroad. We are just off Spon Street with the medieval houses and not far from Ikea. Have a look at our map on this site. When you’ve got the Lower Precinct at your back, walk 10m into Spon Street where you will see a street going off to the right, which is Lower Holyhead Road. Walking up Lower Holyhead Road you will see further down a huge tree on the right hand side in front of an old building. There are steps and a disabled ramp, and our leaflet should be hanging on the left hand side of the door. Please ring the ‘Community Room’ bell only and be patient, we will open the door shortly. back to top
Why don’t you ever answer the phone?
Arty-Folks is a very small registered Charity that does not generate an income. We don’t have employees and an established office. The messages get picked up when our volunteers have
time to return your call. We are very sorry, but that is the best we can do. So please e-mail info@arty-folks.co.uk or ring us on 024 76414740 and leave us your name and phone number, and we promise to get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks for your understanding. back to top
What happens when I arrive?
We will introduce you to everyone but you’ll be glad to hear we don’t expect you to know everyone’s name straight away. There are no formalities, no paperwork, no files with your name on it. In fact, we only keep your name, address, phone, and attendance record. We will get you a seat and simply get you started. back to top
Can my support worker/CPN come with me?
Of course, but we will ask them to get stuck in! We don’t really like professionals just sitting there and observing us. If they really want to find out what we’re about, they will join in. In fact, many workers actually love it and you might find it hard to get rid of them. back to top
Do I have to book a place?
No, there’s always a place for you. You don’t have to ring up first, just turn up on a Wednesday 12.30pm, and you can start with us straight away. back to top
Who is running the workshops?
The workshops are usually led by a visual artist, usually with a completed University Degree in the Arts such as Arts&Crafts, Applied Arts, Graphic Design, Fine Art, Illustration, etc. We want artists to bring their own particular expertise and approach to the table, and to support you to develop your art skills and widen your understanding of modern art. Arty-Folks focuses completely on the Arts, so there is no medically trained staff in the room. back to top
Who is at the workshops?
There are usually about 6-10 members, 1 teaching artist, and perhaps 1 volunteer artist. Because it’s a drop in it’s hard to tell how many people will be present. We often have University students undertaking a volunteering module or just wanting to gain experience working in the community. Again, they usually study Art and we expect them to share their own arts practice with us. Because of that we don’t usually take students who are training in any other field unless they have a very keen interest in practising art. back to top
What’s the atmosphere like during workshops?
Definitely not like school! You can feel safe to talk about anything of concern to you or just focus on your work. You can join in the general banter and debates, and everyone will respect it if you want to switch off or just listen. We usually have a laugh, and we talk about problems in a ‘normal’ way. The atmosphere is generally very informal and relaxed. It feels good to be part of a community of people and it can help to lift that heavy cloud. back to top
Do I get to keep my art work?
Yes, of course. We take a digital photo and add it to your portfolio on our computer. You can then have your artwork back for you to keep. You can have a copy of your digital portfolio which you can use to apply for further art courses, or just for yourself. back to top
Are there any exams or assessments?
No, never, thank you very much! We want to experience the pure exhilaration of art without bureaucratic nonsense! Well, seriously, we believe that art can’t really be quantified as such and is about the exploration of self, rather than meeting some criteria. back to top
How long can I come to Arty-Folks?
For as long as you feel the need to. We believe that when you’re ready to move on, that you will! back to top
Do I have to be referred or have been in the mental health system to be allowed to come?
No, not at all. You don’t have to have had a complete mental breakdown to be able to attend. In fact, it’s better if you come before! If you realise that you are experiencing mental stress you might find it beneficial to join a group like ours. Some people picked up a leaflet at their GP or library, some have heard through word of mouth, some through the mental health system. Either way, we do not require any formal referrals, and you don’t have to tell us what your particular problem is. back to top
So is it open to anyone then?
No, not really. While we do NOT require you to disclose anything about yourself, we do expect you to have: A) an interest in the visual arts, B) a willingness to try out lots of different media, C) respect for others in the group, and D) an experience of mental stress which is still an influence in your life. Oh, yes, and we would like you to turn up on time. Apart from that, we don’t turn anyone away on the basis of creed, ethnicity, gender, age, etc. back to top
Who makes decisions and how? What skills do they bring to Arty-Folks?
The group of people attending the workshops make decisions about the weekly activities together with artists. Most of the week-to-week business is discussed here too, and we employ a volunteer/sessional worker to run the ‘office’. Our 4 Trustees have all experienced mental health issues themselves, and two of them are still members to-date. One Trustee was for many years secretary of a Trade Union, and one Trustee is in full time work. back to top
What is Arty-Folks' view about medication and the medical profession?
Yep, tricky question, but it has to be asked. We believe that everyone in the field is genuinely trying to help people who are going through a terrible time. But we also believe that there is only one expert of your life, and that is you. So it’s up to you if you take your medication or not, whether you engage in therapies or seek alternatives. Whatever you decide we will support you, and we will not interfere in your chosen path. You can discuss your concerns in the group if you wish and learn from other people’s experiences. back to top
What are Arty-Folks' dreams and ambitions for the future?
Our dream for the future is to be able to be there for you, and to walk alongside you on your journey to recovery. We would like to be able to support you more proactively but not in a one-suits-all fashion. At the moment we are not able to do much for you outside the workshops, and we would love to offer you counselling, life coaching, mentoring, etc. if you feel that would help. We believe without a doubt that everyone can recover from mental stress and illness, and that it is just a matter of support and time. back to top
How is Arty-Folks funded and who are you accountable to?
This is our real sticking point. We receive £2’000 a year from the PCT, but we need a minimum £10’000 to cover costs such as room hire, art materials, etc. We hope to make up the difference via grants. Applying for these is a constant process and leaves Arty-Folks in a tenuous position. So let us know about any good funders or if you have a cunning plan to raise funds. We’re in, as long as you’re not planning to rob a bank! back to top
What is the Artspace building?
We hire the community room for our workshops and we use their kiln to fire our ceramic pieces. So we’re only there during our workshops, and no other time. The building itself is managed by the Artspace Artists who offer artist studios, exhibitions, events, etc. There are other activities here such as juggling, life drawing, clay&fire, samba band, etc. To find out more ring 024/7655’3533.
The building is believed to have been at some point perhaps a police station, a school, a hospital, nobody really knows. We know for certain that it used to be the Quakers Meeting Hall, then became the Holyhead Youth Club, and that the Specials used to practice in the basement. back to top
When did Arty-Folks start and why?
The idea to create Arty-Folks came in a discussion between an artist and someone suffering from schizophrenia. At the time, November ’95, there were no independent user groups and people felt stuck in the system. There was a lot of anger and fear towards the Mental Health system, and people felt there was nothing positive happening. Arty-Folks was set up to serve as a half-way house, to bridge the gap between dependency on services and ‘normality’, whatever that is. Arty-Folks has since remained grounded in the Arts, two steps removed from the mental health system. back to top
What was Arty-Folks like at the beginning?
Arty-Folks ran a pilot project July ’96 to October ’97, which was hugely successful. It showed that there was a need for a recreational form of art therapy, for an environment in which people can talk openly and honestly about issues affecting their lives while being creative. Founding members set the underlying principles of Arty-Folks which are
- to have a complete art focus and engage only workers trained in the arts
- activities need to be fun, uplifting, rewarding, achievable, enjoyable, and support people on their recovery journey
- to remain two steps removed from the mental health system, to nurture recovery, and to serve as a bridge into people’s chosen path
- to work for people recovering from mental health concerns only
- to support people to break out of their isolation and to regain self-respect
- to be user led with a Team of Trustees made up of members, ex-members and other people who have experienced mental stress
- to be informal in all its dealings and to avoid an ‘us-and-them’ within the group
- to establish a positive atmosphere and never become a ‘moan and groan group’ back to top
Is Arty-Folks any different now?
Not really. Arty-Folks has remained true to its guiding beliefs and founding principles. What does change is the dynamics of the group, which vary as different personalities come and go. back to top
What does your Constitution say?
“Arty-Folks exists to relieve persons recovering from mental health problems by assisting such persons to realise their full potential and lead fulfilling lives in particular by the encouragement of the visual arts and the provision of art related activities”. Rather wordy and chewy, innit? back to top
How do I complain if I am unhappy about something?
Please send a letter or e-mail to the Trustees at the Arty-Folks address, and they’ll receive your complaint within the week. One of the Trustees will then contact you to arrange a meeting to which of course you can bring a friend or support worker. At the meeting you will be able to talk openly and honestly, and everything will be treated confidentially. back to top |
