Outside In Magazine Issue 5 - Summer 2022
Introduction About Outside In Outside In is an award-winning arts charity that provides platforms for artists who face significant barriers to the art world. These barriers could include health, disability, social circumstance or isolation. By offering opportunities including artist support, exhibitions and professional training, Outside In works to create a fairer art world. There are now more than 4,000 artists represented by Outside In, with their own galleries showcased on the charity’s website. Cover illustration for our New Dialogues project by Paige Lyons. Instagram @paigelyo
02 |
About this edition This magazine focuses on the New Dialogues projects, which respond to collections relating to mental health. Over the last two years artists have been researching, creating and curating resulting in four groundbreaking new exhibitions. We take a closer look at this process, as well as showcasing the other work being done by the charity and its artists. The result includes creative prompts, latest news and interviews to help inform and inspire. If you would like to join us or if you have news, art or ideas to share please email info@outsidein.org.uk or call 01903 898171
Contents 08
15
16
04-13 |
14 |
16 |
New Dialogues
Royal Award
National on Tour
20 |
22 |
24 |
North West News
Midlands Open Review
Artist Tribute | 03
New Dialogues
Project overview: • Four new exhibitions are showcasing collections relating to mental health – and the artistic responses they have inspired. • Three partner organisations; Glasgow Life Museums, Glenside Hospital Museum (Bristol) and the Mental Health Museum (Wakefield). • Two-year nationwide project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the John Ellerman Foundation and the Art Fund. • One award-winning arts charity, Outside In, which is continuing to work to raise the profile of artwork created by patients and support artists to develop skills in research, interpretation and curation.
04 |
“This has been a really exciting and ambitious project,” said Kate Davey, Outside In’s Step Up Training Manager. “Each artist has chosen an area of interest or resonance, embarking on a personal journey of exploration resulting in this fascinating exhibition of artwork, highlighting the breadth and range of creative responses inspired by the collections”. Over the following pages we will focus on the three elements – exhibition, creative response and curation – while providing insight to the exhibitions: • 14 May to 2 October – ‘Looking to the Light’ at Glenside Hospital Museum, Bristol • 14 June to 9 December – ‘Recollections May Vary’ at Mental Health Museum, Wakefield • 4 August to 4 November – ‘Unlocking the Extraordinary’ at Kelvingrove Gallery, Glasgow, and additional works at Project Ability, Glasgow, 20 August – 24 September
Mary Francis Heaton illustration by Paige Lyons, from the Wakefield course
Acorn: Not Fixed, Not Broken by Alison Willis, on display at Glenside
Insulated Auditoriums 2 by Kin, a response to Art Extraordinary, Glasgow
| 05
Change the Looking Exhibition: Art World to for theGood Light, Glenside Artists participating in the course at Glenside Hospital Museum in Bristol explored the extensive collection showing changes and development in mental health treatment from the 1860s to the late 20th century. This important collection paints a vivid picture of the life of patients and staff in the former Glenside Hospital and an insight into the institutions run for the care of people with disabilities and learning difficulties.
to life, grounding me and including the creative dialogue I have with myself from way back when till this present moment. We are being encouraged to take the plunge and grow in confidence, to believe in our own creative processes and get creating.”
The theme of light was chosen after artist Damien Moran was inspired by a photograph of Charles West, a patient at Bristol’s asylum. His creativity inspired the six curators of the exhibition to use ‘Saint Charles West’ as a theme to generate an exciting exhibition event at the museum. The works include photography, light boxes and portraits. Course assistant and artist Natasha Harrison said: “The project has enabled me to unpick what art means to me including its connection 06 |
Malarial Therapy by Jackie Bennett; all photos: Carly Wong
Installation in padded cell by Natasha Harrison
Quilt by Anna Rathbone | 07
Response: Recollections May Vary Artist Cara Macwilliam shares her tips for approaching a project that draws on lived experience. No academic background? Me neither, don’t worry, I found my way though, in my own way. Remember you are a creative with a mind that thinks in different ways. It’s a huge advantage. Ask for support, whenever you need it. This is purely for your development, no one is there to judge you, it’s your lived experience that is important and you are the only one who is the expert in that. Go to what draws you in, what deeply interests or touches you. It will take half the pressure off as you’ll be lost in the subject.
overwhelm. For example, I gave myself a deadline of starting writing up my research halfway through as I knew I’d need a long time to work on it. Writing is one of the hardest things for me. If you plan to use images; historical or artworks that aren’t your own, get public domain images from the start. It takes a long time to get copyright permissions.
See this as a jumping off phase, the initial starting point. Time to learn, explore and play. Clear as much other stuff as you are able to. Especially if you have a health condition that affects your energy. Pace, plan ahead, give yourself achievable deadlines throughout. It will help with the 08 |
The Letter by Cara Macwilliam
The Melancholia of Thomas Lawton by Cara Macwilliam
On To Escape, First Admittance by Cara Macwilliam
| 09
Keep Creative
The power of sketching Artist Doll shares their creative process while on the Exploring Collections course that led to the exhibition Recollections May Vary at the Mental Health Museum. Processing, experimenting and reflecting are all important parts of my life, whether I am attending an artist talk or venting as part of my self care routine. I use sketchbooks to record these moments, I use various methods to articulate my thoughts - mapping, keywords, doodles, sketching, storyboards, collage... The technique is secondary when I journal, the main objective is to put my instincts, feelings, ideas onto the page; to clear the chatter in order to have a tangible reference point. It isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but like many things practice and consistency are vital. 10 |
An example of Doll’s sketchbook
Here are my tips for visual journaling: Let Go Forget about straight lines or penmanship, your journal is a place for messy experimental silly freedom. Don’t be afraid to fill pages with doodles while on the phone or random colour swatches play in your safe space! Stick with it Created an amazing ballpoint pen sketch of a bird on some till roll at work? Stick it into your journal! You never know where inspiration will appear, so collaging scraps can be a great way to refresh those creative thoughts. Go with the flow Use flowcharts or mapping to explore your concepts and ideas. Start with a keyword and create an expanding path of related words and phrases, use colours or icons to highlight important points. | 11
Curation: Unlocking the Extraordinary, Glasgow Morag Macgilchrist on curation process 1. Why did the curation process interest you? I had worked previously on a smaller curation project with the Art Extraordinary collection and I really liked exploring the work from it. This time I relished the opportunity to curate a selection of work inspired by that collection, giving me the different side to look at.
2. What have you enjoyed most? I love the writing aspect, interpreting work and then shortening it to the museum’s word count limit is a challenge and I really enjoy trying to choose language that is both engaging and easy to understand. When writing for a museum you need to remember that children as well as adults might be reading these pieces of text and try to fit in things many different people would all engage with.
3. Have there been any particular challenges? Working as a team on some of the text was 12 |
definitely different to working alone on other pieces. Everyone has to agree on the main points and compromise on other things they might like to have included if the word count was longer.
4. Do you think this process will impact your work as an artist in the future? The more I learn about citation the more I look at my own work differently, I pay more attention to the overall shape of a piece of consider just how it might be lit or displayed in a way I never did before.
5. What do you think makes this project and exhibition so important and interesting? This project has been fairly unique to me as I have never worked on anything for a major public museum before. It’s been interesting to learn how much goes on behind the scenes in putting together a museum exhibit. It’s important that all sorts of people from different walks of life, making different styles of art get the chance to have their work showcased like this.
Morag, pictured left, on a visit to Project Ability as part of the course | 13
Outside In’s ambassadors have been announced as recipients of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Founder and director Marc Steene said: “One of the elements of Outside In that I am most proud of is its ambassadors, those artists who want to help the charity in its work and give their time voluntarily. They represent the best of what we can achieve, a network of supportive artists, helping each other, sharing their work, their voices and helping us to find more artists in real need of our support.”
14 |
Ambassador Kevin Preston said: “This is fantastic news I’m so proud to be an ambassador for Outside In a charity that is selfless in their approach to help other artists. And change the art world for good. Thank you for all the support you have given me and other artists, it means a lot and helped build confidence that I was lacking. Outside In thank you so much and thank you for everything you do, it means a lot and I’m so grateful.” Ambassador training will be taking place on the 5, 7 and 8 September. If you would like to apply please contact Beth Hopkins, on Beth.Hopkins@outsidein.org.uk or 01903 898171 by 9am on Monday 29 August.
Am
ss ba
ador
s Jackie Benne tt a
nd
To m St im
pso n | 15
National Open Exhibition Applications can now be submitted for the Outside In National Open Exhibition ‘Humanity’. The exhibition will open in London at Sotheby’s in the new year before heading on tour to Glasgow and Brighton. Here we take a closer look at the venues involved. Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Promoting access to, and ownership of, exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail across its trusted global marketplace. Boasting a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, among many others. Sotheby’s portfolio also spans real estate and classic cars.
Frances Christie, Deputy Chairman, Sotheby’s U.K. and Ireland, said: “Sotheby’s are delighted to welcome Outside In back to our London galleries for the first time since their 2018 exhibition with us entitled ‘Journeys’. Outside In provides crucial support to artists facing barriers to the art world and we are thrilled to be hosting their 2023 National exhibition and really look forward to seeing the wonderful submissions from all around the country that will be displayed in our historic galleries on New Bond Street in January 2023.”
Sotheby’s in London; photo: Courtesy of Sotheby’s 16 |
Project Ability is a visual arts organisation based at Trongate 103, Glasgow. It has been running since 1984 and is proud to create opportunities for people with disabilities and people with lived experience of mental illhealth, aged five years to 80 plus, to express themselves and achieve their artistic potential. Rachel McMillan, Project Ability Marketing Coordinator, said: “The Outside In National Open Exhibition is always a highlight for artists and this time it is made even more exciting with the final exhibition going on tour.
Project Ability is delighted to be one of the hosting galleries and we can’t wait to see the exhibition come together. The exhibiting artists will be a mix of names we are familiar with as well as some new ones as, for the first time, the panel will make sure 50 per cent of chosen artists have never exhibited at Outside In before. Open calls such as this one are so important to showcase and advocate for underrepresented artists and we can’t wait until Summer 2023 when all the artwork will arrive in Glasgow!”
The Yellow Exhibition, group show by Project Ability at its Trongate 103 gallery | 17
Located in the Royal Pavilion Garden, at the heart of the City’s cultural quarter, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is one of the country’s leading regional museums. Its diverse collections bring together the arts and history to tell stories about the city and the world we live in. Alongside permanent galleries including Ancient Egypt, Fine Art, 20th Century Art & Design and the Archaeology gallery, there’s a constantly changing programme of major exhibitions, displays and events. Helen Grundy, Senior Keeper for the Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust, said: “Brighton & Hove Museums are excited to be working in partnership with Outside In and really looking forward to seeing work by amazing artists in our gallery spaces.”
18 |
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery; photo: Courtesy of Brighton Museums
The deadline for applications for the National Open exhibition is 23 September 2022 at 12 noon, applications are made via artist’s Outside In galleries. It is free to join and to apply, this can be done online or if you would like additional support please sign up for a one-toone session on an Artist Support Day.
To book, or for more details, contact Beth.Hopkins@outsidein.org.uk or call 01903 898171.
Upcoming dates: August 11 - Artist 12 - Artist 19 - Artist 23 - Artist 25 - Artist
Support Support Support Support Support
Day, Day, Day, Day, Day,
Coventry location tbc online London Bristol
September 6 - Artist Support Day, location tbc 13 - Artist Support Day, location tbc 16 - Artist Support Day, online October 11 - Artist Support Day, location tbc 28 - Artist Support Day, online
A Nation Above Surveillance by Read Rhymes | 19
North West Ellie Page, North West Hub Manager, provides an update on the plans for ten bespoke artist residencies for learning disabled and neurodivergent artists from across the North West. It’s been a very exciting time here at the newly developed North West Hub! As well as spreading our reach further across the region, we’ve been working with Disability Arts Cymru to support neurodivergent artists from across Wales. This has included welcoming our first artist in residence, Leila Bebb, who visited us from Swansea for a week-long residency. Leila is a talented textile artist and painter, whose work often explores themes of space, aliens and landscapes. During her time at Venture Arts she also developed a passion for photography, working with our photography facilitator to photograph her sculptural work and share techniques and ideas with our own photography group. 20 |
Leila also had a day in residence at The Whitworth, where she visited the Musgrave Kinley Outsider Art Collection, one of the most significant public collections of Outsider Art in the UK, consisting of more than 1,153 individual artworks. Leila spent the morning with the textiles curator, looking for inspiration in how to present her knitted textiles pieces. During her visit to The Whitworth Leila met the School of Creativity Resident Artist, Ekua Bayunu, who taught her to crochet, a brand new skill she is now exploring in her current work. Leila said: “I was buzzing from my visit to Venture Arts, I got lots of ideas to take home, like using printing and doing more photography… I learnt how to crochet as well… It was really fantastic meeting new people, such nice, wonderful people. Being in the big city was really exciting”.
Leila Bebb What’s next? One of our next artists in residence is Saoirse Felix Addams! Here is Felix pictured with their piece ‘Pause’ which is currently on display at Astley Cheetham Art Gallery. If you would like to find out more about the residencies please contact Ellie at A textile artwork created during Leila’s residency Ellie.Page@outsidein.org or on 07539 371 070. | 21
West Midlands Open José Sunshine-Okoro Hub Programme Manager, Midlands, reviews the West Midlands Open. It was a great treat to view such a varied and talented showcase of artists’ works at the preview of this year’s West Midlands Open currently on display at The New Art Gallery Walsall. Floor 3 of the venue was packed with friends, family and audiences, all there to view the 250 artists works ranging from sculpture, print and photography to painting, drawing and mixed media. Stephen Snoddy, the gallery’s director led a speech to launch the Open and praise the artists for their continued creativity through such difficult times.
otherworldly and ethereal but depicts her own perspective of her sight-loss. Both Edgington and Tess Radcliffe give audiences an insight of their personal experience with illness, showing vulnerability, isolation and colour in their use of media such as painting, photography and collage. This free exhibition is on until the 25 September 2022 and offers an opportunity to view brilliant artwork created across the West Midlands including many by Outside In artists.
There are several artworks that stood out for me, Outside In artists such as Gabrielle RobertsDalton’s ‘Syncope - Menopause Series’ and her ‘Social Gathering’ piece which depict issues on the body and ageing were very thoughtprovoking. Fae Kilburn’s silkscreen ‘Captivated’ offers a landscape that on first viewing seems The New Art Gallery Walsall; photo: Mark Hinton 22 |
Freedom is Imagination by Tess Radcliffe
José, pictured right with the Outside In team | 23
Jacqui Tribute
Outside In were saddened to learn that Jacqui Cavalier (1961–2022) passed away peacefully on the night of 10 May. Jacqui was an artist, ambassador and one of the founding members of the first Outside In artist advisory group at Pallant House Gallery. She has been a staunch supporter and advocate, especially for people with mental health issues, and will be sorely missed by many. Marc Steene, director of Outside In, said: “Jacqui in many ways epitomised Outside In,
24 |
her compassion for others and love of art was clear to all. She was involved with the charity from its earliest days offering her advice and guidance as a member of our artist advisory group. She will be much missed and will leave a space impossible to fill, and our lives will be the poorer for her absence.” Beth Hopkins, Artist Development Programme Manager said: “Jacqui was a uniquely kind and warm person, who had time for everyone. She made a big difference to many people at Outside In, she will be missed and remembered fondly.”
Self Portrait by Jacqui Cavalier | 25
Artist Advisory Group
Outside In are delighted to announce artists Tincy Patel, Natasha Harrison, James Shreeve, Louise McLachlan and Tom Stimpson will be joining Dannielle Hodson (artist trustee) as the new Artist Advisory Group. Here we find out more about them and their hopes for their new role.
26 |
Tincy said: “Outside In Has been an incredible stepping stone for me into the art world. But so much more it’s strengthened my passion for making a more inclusive art world.”
Natasha said: “I share Outside In’s mission; It’s clear disabled people are misrepresented in society, and I feel the need to offer my support in any way possible to dispel this misrepresentation.”
James said: “I will bring my positive attitude, resilience, sense of humour and commitment. Fundamentally, the main thing I will bring is my passion and desire to support others.”
Louise said: “I use my practice and lived experience to contribute to breaking down barriers particularly within the arts and art education.”
Tom said: “You have to be aware of the divides, you have to stand up and if you have a voice you have to use it to make change. Look at what you can do, not what you can’t do.”
Dannielle said: “Outside In is very close to my heart and I’m very grateful to be on a journey with such a fantastic charity. I’m proud of the work the charity does and of the artists whom it is made up of.” | 27
Contact the Team Marc Steene Director Marc founded Outside In to challenge concepts as to who is an artist and what art is, seeking to create a fairer art world. Marc.Steene @outsidein.org.uk 07814 831567
Clair Montier Operations Manager Clair is responsible for all logistics and ensuring everything is running smoothly. Clair.Montier @outsidein.org.uk 07903 028746 28 |
Cornelia Marland and Charlotte Hanlon - Exhibitions Programme Managers Cornelia and Charlotte love finding exciting opportunities for artists to showcase their artwork. Cornelia.Marland @outsidein.org.uk Charlotte.Hanlon @outsidein.org.uk 01903 898171
Kate Davey Training Programme Manager Kate leads Outside In’s training and development programme ‘Step Up’. Kate.Davey@ outsidein.org.uk 07903 028391
Ellie Page Regional Artist Development Officer Ellie is working with Outside In, Venture Arts and the Whitworth to champion overlooked artists in the Northwest. Ellie.Page@ outsidein.org.uk 07539 371070
Beth Hopkins, Artist Development Programme Manager Beth supports artists’ development in a wide range of areas. Beth.Hopkins@ outsidein.org.uk 01903 898171
Beth Troakes Development Officer Beth makes the charity’s work possible by bringing in vital funding and securing grants. Beth.Troakes @outsidein.org.uk 01903 898171
José Sunshine-Okoro - Hub Programme Manager José focuses on raising the profile and diversity of artists in the Midlands. Jose.SunshineOkoro@outsidein.org.uk 07496 99733 | 29
Matt Forbes-Dale Press and Production Officer Matt brings commercial thinking to the comms team and heads the press outreach. Matthew. Forbes-Dale@ outsidein.org.uk 07903 028452 30 |
Laura Miles Communications Manager This is the last magazine edited by Laura Miles who has now left Outside In. She said: “It has been an honour to work for Outside In. Its important mission, the amazing colleagues, supportive board and inspiring artists have made it a ole unlike any other and I am proud to have played a part in its story over the last four years. I’m also excited for the chapters which will come and shall always be supporting from afar.” Laura will be very much missed by the trustees, team and of course Outside In artists, so many of whom she worked with in order to make their voices heard on all the charity’s communication channels. Thank you Laura.
PO Box 5571 Brighton BN50 8UR
Aoife Dunphy Content Coordinator Aoife is passionate about spreading awareness of Outside In and its artists’ work. Aoife.Dunphy@ outsidein.org.uk 01903 898171
Place Stamp Here
From: Outside In is a registered charity with Charity Number 1171128
www.outsidein.org.uk