Art project is helping improve young people’s mental health
AN art programme is helping to improve the mental health of some of the most vulnerable young people in Stockport.
Young People’s Arc (YPA) has seen more than 120 young people, from age five to 25, take part in projects at Arc in Reddish, in partnership with agencies such as Signpost Young Carers, Mosaic, SAVY and Refugee Action.
The programme, which is funded by the council and Children in Need, has given young people the chance to work with experienced artists in various mediums including design, sculpture, music, visual arts and ceramics.
Artists who have taken part include well-known Manchester songwriter and radio presenter Claire Mooney, published illustrator John Hamilton and Marple-based artist Tracy McGuinness Kelly.
Tracy’s most recent YPA project is a giant colourful mural, currently on display at the gallery, which was created with young refugees and their families, members of Stockport’s Ebony and Ivory Community Organisation and residents taking part in the Brinnington Arts Festival.
Arc’s artistic director Jacqui Wood said: “We hoped that through this project the new refugees would feel really welcome in Stockport, and for this Ebony and Ivory were the perfect hosts. It’s such a great thing to be able to offer the opportunity to work together on genuinely beautiful and bold artwork.
“Tracy brings years of experience and technique to her projects – she had everyone making collages and getting to know each other within minutes. And to see how she has managed to combine so many different ideas and images together in one massive mural is fantastic. The project really brought people together.
“I can’t wait to see the reactions of the young people and their families.”
Tracy added: “I hope this brings joy to people long after I am gone.”
The mural will be on display as part of Arc’s One World exhibition, every weekday from 10am to 4pm until Friday, June 19. After that time it will be going on tour around Stockport. For more information phone 480 7731 or visit artsforrecovery.com or find Arc on Facebook and Twitter.