Art and the Building Bridges Conference
The Building Bridges Art Exhibition: life in arts and health
Michael Fowler Centre, 14 – 16 April 2010
The Building Bridges Trust would like to sincerely thank all of the artists for their involvement in this exhibition, as well as those who have facilitated this exhibition, especially Rosemary Stokell.
We were delighted to be able to exhibit artwork by seventy-nine artists from around Aotearoa. Our artists are mental health service staff, mental health service consumers, as well as family members and friends of service consumers. The unique and vibrant exhibition demonstrates the complexity, diversity and vitality of arts and mental health practice in New Zealand today.
A note from the Curator
Rosemary Stokell, Artist and Art Educator
I feel very privileged in being asked to curate this exhibition. As an artist and tutor this is not the first time I have taken on such a task but this would have to be one of the most exciting. To see such a variety of images, interpretations, colours and styles in the one exhibition is both refreshing and uplifting. It is a testament to the creative spirit and how it can play such an important part in recovery of those who often experience the darker side of life. Many of the artists completed their works with no intention of exhibiting them and now we have the opportunity to step into their world and perhaps gain some insight into their highs and lows and all that lies in between. All the artists have something to say and we the viewer can listen, be challenged and take delight in their works. For me the joy of this exhibition lies in its wonderful diversity and its open sincerity and working with others to bring it all together has been a very rewarding experience. So go forth and delight in this display of colourful and truly amazing art work.
A note from our Keynote Speaker
Glen McDonald, Coordinator, Vincents Art Workshop
This exhibition is a wonderful celebration of the diversity of unique and innovative art works and of the artists who created them. As a former winner of the inaugural Building Bridges Partnerships in Community Mental Health – the Community Integration Award, Vincents Art Workshop is delighted and proud to be significantly represented in this exhibition.
I believe that the stigma that still exists for people with mental health disabilities is best countered by the celebration of personal achievements and the exhibiting of excellence that all people in the community can share and enjoy. In this way there can be a positive experience of a previously marginalised group of people. I hope that this exhibition will continue to attract positive public attention and will become an eagerly anticipated event.