As I wrote in Adjusting to the COVID-19 new reality a few days ago, I am currently rethinking how the ART/DATA/HEALTH project can run activities remotely, and continue benefiting communities. Our workshop Staying Healthy in Whitehawk earlier this month at the Whitehawk Library got cancelled, so the local community artist Ian Leaver and I have been thinking of ways to continue the work, to connect with the community, and offer an opportunity to East Brighton residents to take part in an art project, while they record a daily diary.
Are you in isolation? Do you live in East Brighton? Are you interested in art and creative work?
The idea is simple: For 14 days or more, you will track you symptoms, or other activity in relation to your health (for example medication, sleep, anxiety etc). You can use drawing, photo, audio, or write a brief blog to record your daily diary. Ian will then use your diary to create an artwork that will be permanently exhibited at Wellsbourne Healthcare CIC in Whitehawk.
Find out more about how to take part in the project sign up here for the free online workshop, which will take place on Wednesday 8th April, 2-3pm. Ian Leaver-Blaxstone and I (Aristea Fotopoulou) will take you through the 14-day art challenge, and will discuss your ideas.
You don’t need to have any specialist knowledge! All welcome!
Email info@artdatahealth.org if you have any questions.
MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST:
After training as a graphic designer, Ian Leaver began developing his signature style as an artist. Experimenting with complementary bold and bright imagery, he presents fragments of the world which engage your attention. His interest in utilising art to raise awareness of inequality within social structures and to promote better mental health and wellbeing has led to collaborative work within the local community. This has included a community art project painting hoardings with local residents alongside The Trust for Developing Communities, Brighton & Hove City Council, Martin Homes and Wellsbourne Healthcare Community Interest Company. He has contributed to an ‘Arts in the Community’ Project with Brighton People’s Theatre alongside being part of the East Brighton ‘Our Place Festival’ Steering Group for Brighton Festival with Due East, Wellsbourne Healthcare CIC ,and local residents. In 2019 Ian created and ran the first ever East Brighton Art Trail, ‘Trailblazer’, displaying the artwork of local residents across a series of venues. This is now due to run in its second year in 2020. He has sold artwork internationally on his subjects of interest including vintage B movies, graphic art, sci-fi and live music. Such works have been published (Penguin edition of 100 illustrated adventures of Doctor Who) and displayed as part of key exhibitions (in Wolverhampton Black Country Museum). Along with exhibiting across Brighton and Hove and other cities, including Birmingham, Ian has appeared on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year in 2019.
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