Art Cares
During lockdown, we heard from lots of young people who were using art as a way to escape and express themselves. Investing in Children created the Art and Wellbeing Café as a way to encourage young people to return to face to face group activities. The café continues to provide an informal, accessible space for children and young people to explore their creativity, rights and wellbeing.
It was through young people attending the Art and Wellbeing Café that we saw a very clear link between care experienced young people, art and creativity. This led to care experienced young people getting involved in the Art Stops project.
Art Stops across County Durham
Through the Art and Wellbeing Café, 29 care experienced young people were able to showcase their talents and express themselves through their amazing artwork which was displayed in bus stops across County Durham.
"It was amazing to see something that I made out in public and gave me a chance to see my work out there dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community"
"It's a great experience, I love coming and to put art into bus stops and also to put my art into the world and made me feel happy about myself"
The Art Cares Exhibition
29 pieces were then displayed in an exhibition called Art Carers at Bishop Auckland Art Gallery from September to November 2024.
23 young people who have been cared for by Durham County Council had 27 pieces of art displayed in the exhibition.
Click here to take a look at the 360 tour of the exhibition that was held at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
You can read some of the amazing comments left in the visitor book here:
