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FROM ORGANISATIONS WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

• Mental health in schools 

Of the film ‘Freedom’ by Arts Lab film intern Tansy West ( https://vimeo.com/254210465) “ – Such a lovely film that really does capture what the students were doing and how well they engaged in the process and the experience.”  (Vicci Worthy – Project manager, DAISI – ArtEffect project)

• Alternative school provision

Arts Lab is ideal for young people with emotional and medical/mental health difficulties. Students feel safe there, overcome their reluctance to get involved and have fun. (Assistant Principal Schools Company South & West Devon Academy)

• Mainstream secondary school curriculum enrichment

The studio at Dartington feels like another world which helps students remember educational experiences in a positive light. (Ben Moon – Art tutor, King Edward VI Community College, Totnes)

I would highly recommend any sessions run at Arts Lab. With a unique delivery style, students are encouraged to experiment and express themselves. (Tim Wightman – Head of Creative Arts, KEVICC)

Thank you to Sara for running the Art Enrichment Day for Kevicc students. It was a great opportunity for the students who all had time to produce some excellent work and discuss their ideas.”  Ben Moon – Art tutor, KEVICC

• Reducing youth offending and reoffending

Thank you for hosting, organising and inspiring the most fantastic sessions in your studio – everyone loves them!  (Eva Hamilton MBE – Founder & CEO of Key4Life)

We love the flexibility and creativity in all that you do here. (Sarah Pollard –  Key4Life)

FROM YOUNG PEOPLE THEMSELVES

A massive thank you to Arts Lab. It has been such a rich experience, transforming my life. I now have friends for the first time in years with enough confidence & optimism to go out into the world.  (Janie aged 19)

These workshops are amazing –  they are fun and varied and target precisely my needs inspiring me to develop useful skills. I always look forward to the next session. Sara is also guiding me towards applying for degree courses in Illustration and is helping me to assemble my Portfolio of work for the interview. Her encouragement and knowledge really help my confidence in taking this step. (Anna 22)

I’ve really enjoyed the sessions – it’d been a good place to be with some great teaching. I really appreciate all your support, helping me gain confidence in everything I do. (Josh 25)

HIGHER EDUCATION

These workshops have been an inspiration to students on the BEd Art and Design specialist pathway at Plymouth University bringing ‘fresh eyes’ to approaches that engage learners in developing visual art processes. What the art education students really like is the practical, ‘hands-on’ approach to workshops led with energy and enthusiasm! How exciting to be learning through actively exploring art and design practice with a professional artist in new and creative ways. (Sadie Medway – Lecturer in Art and Design Education, Plymouth Institute of Education)

Fantastic stuff – and thank you so much for the opportunities that you have provided for my students to engage with wider arts practice this year. (Dan Paolantonio – Co-Programme Leader: H.E. Film, Plymouth College of Art)

Thank you for welcoming the students to your studio and providing them with such a rich experience which I know they valued greatly. (Julia Pope – Lecturer in Art and Design Education, Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University)

The chance to start working with Sara is absolutely invaluable to me…  (Georgia – assistant for “Creative Play” project – 3rd Year Fine Art Student, Plymouth University)

Thank you again for coming in and chatting to our students and for engaging us in a hands-on activity – it was brilliant! Hopefully we’ll get the chance to work together again in the future, you’re truly inspiring! (Amanda Buckley – Lecturer H.E. Film, Plymouth College of Art)

MENTAL HEALTH

Of the film ‘Freedom’ by Arts Lab film intern Tansy West ( https://vimeo.com/254210465) “ – Such a lovely film that really does capture what the students were doing and how well they engaged in the process and the experience.”  (Vicci Worthy – Project manager, DAISI – ArtEffect project)

A group of adults who are all either carers for those with mental health problems or dealing with their own individual challenges, have been greatly benefitting from weekly art classes. The support and encouragement found in these sessions is a rare find when one is embarking on a journey of recovery/self-discovery. It is also a valuable asset to the Mental Health Community and indeed the local commmunity.  (Anne)

This has transformed Helen’s life. Now she has friends for the first time in years and it is helping her come to terms with life.  (Helen’s mother)

I joined the art workshop to support my adult son who is recovering from a mental health problem. It is helping him enormously and in a climate of severe cuts in the NHS, it is the only therapy group in our area. (Maria)

Thank you so much for the inspirational workshops. We are so enjoying the sessions. They are the best thing to have happened to George since his relapse nine years ago. Up till now he has been unable to communicate with others suffering or recovering from mental illness, or anyone else for that matter. He has been on tremendous form – very expressive and talkative. Your workshops have been the turning point. (George’s mother)

Having been struggling with difficulties for years, I’ve found the safe space of the group, and the facilitation, guidance and support through creativity, a valuable tool in my recovery. (George)

WORKING WITH REFUGEES

It was such a privilege to be a small part of facilitating a truly moving and tender day sharing personal stories, paintings from the days’ workshops and listening to one another’s hearts with Syrian refugee families and kids and the local community. Sara and Saif, it was a pleasure to witness this collaboration of Arts Lab and Integr8. You carry and oooze such a passion for community, acceptance and love – it’s contagious. Keep shining and pioneering. (Amy Orr – Arts Lab visiting intern)

WIDER PUBLIC

What they don’t teach you at art college workshop:

I very much enjoyed meeting everyone. I’ve been thinking about twin/sibling/cousin relationships ever since! (Joanna)

I found the talk on Saturday morning very useful and the rest of the weekend challenging (which is good) and beneficial. (Finn)

I really enjoyed the workshop and hope there will be more! (Claudia)

Thanks for an enriching thought provoking weekend. (Jane)

A great weekend. Interesting to approach  an idea from a different perspective. (Beverly)

Second Saturdays workshop:

An interesting and enjoyable day with lovely people. (Juliet)

Yesterday was FAB –  I really enjoyed it, thank you. (Tanya)

Exhibitions:

Beautiful artworks, lovely space. You are creating a wonderful concept here. (Exhibition visitor)