Expressive Salon 57

The aim of is to
Promote social inclusion and artistic development through meaningful learning, interaction, and facilitation in a safe, supportive, environment, leading to increased self-confidence and recognition of skills and expertise. Attendees will receive coaching and mentoring in facilitating workshops for which they may receive payment, leading to increased confidence and helpful skills.

Story-telling and sharing experiences will also be encouraged and facilitated in a safe, supportive, environment. Service user run facilitated exhibitions will run in different boroughs every 2 months. A website will be available to promote the project, inform the public, and support the members. The aim of this is

For members: to develop social confidence, overcoming perceived stigma, and working towards greater financial independence

For the public: increased awareness and understanding of the participants’ experiences, in an artistic context, leading to reduced stigma and increased social cohesion. Each exhibition will also have its own printed and online catalogue to encourage engagement; these will form the basis of a published work at the end of the project

It will target those adults who feel marginalised or socially excluded due to mental health, emotional, or institutional challenges. By definition, these cover the protected characteristics of age, disability, gender, ethnic origin, and sexual orientation. We will seek to engage actively with BME communities, older people, cared-for people, women, and those identifying as LGBT.