As our National Partners Programme (2019-22) enters its final year, the partner galleries, Firstsite, Sunderland Culture and Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, will present a series of exhibitions and collaborations which, co-curated by NHS key workers, local communities and social prescribing groups, look back at the past year to explore the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Displaying works from the Collection alongside new commissions and community-sourced creations, these exhibitions will explore themes from isolation and illness to family and self-care.
Embracing the positive effects of art, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange in Cornwall will explore the potential of the Arts Council Collection to offer health and well-being benefits to local people in a new Social Prescribing Programme. Drawing on recent findings that participatory art has the potential to reduce drop-in GP consultations and hospital admission rates by 37% and 27% respectively*, an exhibition opening at Newlyn Art Gallery this autumn will see a core group of 10 participants, referred to the project by link workers in local GP practices, collaborate with artists and select from over 8000 works in the Arts Council Collection.
James Green, Director, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, says: “It’s well understood that participation in cultural activities can make people happier and more content. Here at Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, we are now building evidence that shows these tangible health benefits. Our involvement in the Arts Council Collection’s National Partners Programme has given us the resource and support to explore these benefits, hopefully paving a way for galleries and public collections to take a little pressure off the NHS as it continues to battle the consequences of the pandemic.”