'Cos Every Little Thing...

About

“Cos every little thing is gonna be alright”. The cheerful and reassuring message of Bob Marley’s song has been chosen to represent a new exhibition by artists from Studio Upstairs’ North London studio in Dalston.

Studio Upstairs is a therapeutic arts community for people who are managing the ups and downs of long term mental and emotional distress. Members often find their way to Studio Upstairs after a period of mental health crisis, discovering that the relaxed and encouraging environment of the open studio helps them develop a creative, artistic identity to support their recovery.

“The studio is a space to take some joy in colour, texture, and in making art. For those of us who struggle to find a way to be with ourselves and others, this can the breathing space we need.” (studio member)

This exhibition showcases the work of over 25 artists who attend or work at the studio, demonstrating the creativity, preoccupations, humour and diversity of the Studio Upstairs community.

“As artists, we make art to explore our experiences of everyday life and use them as raw material in the creative process. In doing so we can make these experiences understandable or acceptable to ourselves and to the world outside.” (studio manager)

Private View

The opening event will take place on Wednesday 29th Jan in the evening. To be invited to attend this celebration and have an opportunity to meet the artists, please email londonstudio@studioupstairs.org.uk.

About Studio Upstairs

In 2018 Studio Upstairs celebrated 30 years of its unique open art studio approach. It was first established in Camden by two art therapists frustrated by the lack of ongoing support for people who wanted to stay out of the ‘revolving door’ of the mental health system. It is now a growing, national organisation with branches in Dalston, Croydon and Bristol.

All the studios are led by staff who are both practising artists and qualified art therapists. They are each open 2-3 days every week and can be accessed by a professional referral or by independent funding.  Each studio has a programme of workshops, open days, exhibitions and additional groups such as for mental health peer supporters. 

About Art and Mental Health

Studio Upstairs recognises that enduring conditions of anxiety, trauma and distress, often resulting from complex circumstances and compounded over years, benefit from longer term support, allowing confidence, trusted relationships and resilience to develop at a natural, gradual pace. 

Making art in a supportive open studio offers creative expression, stress relief, exploration of thoughts that are difficult to verbalise and a safe place to make mistakes and keep going.

The role of the arts in recovering and sustaining good mental health is at last being recognised at a national level. ‘Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing’ report was the result of a landmark inquiry in 2017, the recommendations from which are expected to shape future government policy.

https://www.culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk/appg-inquiry/