The Art of Recovery - Addactions first National Service User Exhibition
This exhibition highlights the role that creativity plays throughout treatment and how art can be a vehicle which supports change.
15th December to 12th January 2013, 10 – 4pm
Closed 24, 25, 26, 31 December &1 January
Addaction is the UK’s leading specialist drug and alcohol charity. Every individual entering our treatment service is supported to create their own recovery plan which will enable them to achieve their goals. As part of treatment, Addaction offers a range of diversionary activities which serve to increase confidence, broaden skills and focus on positive pastimes as well as providing access to peer support. Addaction acknowledges the importance of utilising art-based activities as a component of an individual’s recovery plan. This is Addaction’s first national art exhibition showcasing the diverse talents of our service users past and present, from sites around the country.
THE ART OF RECOVERY presents works created by individuals and also pieces which are a result of group workshops. Addaction’s reputation attracts established practitioners to give their time to support our cause. Jon Bishop (Creative Arts Open Space) and Joshua Lockwood are two artists who have been instrumental in providing a range of diverse activities for Addaction’s clients, which has inspired and encouraged participation. The exhibition is interspersed with work by children to represent the far reaching effects of substance misuse. This work has been compiled by Addaction’s Breaking the Cycle and Skills 4 Change workers who work with the children of our service users and are devoted to reducing the harm of parental drug and alcohol use. Each piece is accompanied by a short narrative so that viewers can gain an insight in to the complexities and chaos of addiction; the challenges posed by an ambivalence to change and ultimately, the benefits that recovery offers. THE ART OF RECOVERY also illustrates how the artist can be removed from the trappings of addiction by the virtue of a variety of materials.
THE ART OF RECOVERY highlights the role that creativity plays throughout treatment and how art can be a vehicle which supports change and facilitates a freedom from dependency on drugs and alcohol.
Addaction’s service users have been the driving force throughout organising this exhibition and are extremely appreciative of the opportunity to show their work at The Collection. The exhibition is also testimony to Addaction’s dedicated workforce and volunteers. Many thanks also to Robert Wyatt (acclaimed musician), DJ TUBIZZ and Spring Kitchen who contributed to the preview event and to volunteers at The Collection.
Some of the works displayed are for sale. If you are interested in purchasing a work please contact: Stephanie Homer
Email: s.homer@addaction.org.uk Telephone: 01205 319920