Bath art exhibition celebrates gathering, social connection and mental health

Bath art exhibition celebrates gathering, social connection and mental health

An exhibition showcasing the art, literature and music of service users and staff from across AWP who have lived experience of mental health issues, has been hailed a success.

‘Gathering and social connection’ was the appropriately titled exhibition, which brought together dozens of people to experience the creativity of more than 35 artists and performers. More than 150 people attended the event in Bath city centre on Friday afternoon and evening last week.

The exhibition, which consisted of more than 50 paintings, illustrations, and models, also featured readings, music and poetry. Taking place at the Bath Spa University’s SOMER store on Bartlett Street, the event was held in partnership with National Trust Bath Assembly Rooms, and funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Talking at the event on Friday was one of the coordinators, Sue Woodland, the Patient and Carer Experience Co-ordinator at AWP. She said: “It’s really powerful to talk to people and open up these conversations about mental health – and this exhibition gives people that opportunity to start those conversations. To help everyone better understand the experiences and to help them recognise that this is part of everyday life for so many people, is so important. To be here today with some of these individuals, who have spent years creating some of these artworks is a real privilege, and we’re so pleased to give them the opportunity to share their lived experience.”

Several of the featured artists attended the event and talked positively with visitors about their experience of mental health, in particular some of the influences behind their artwork.

One artist in attendance was Earl, who had created several large artworks and a number of masks at the exhibition. He said: “It's been a rewarding challenge taking part in the exhibition. I came as my art is very conceptual and wanted to explain or answer any questions about it. This had its challenges as my mental symptoms flared up at one point, but it was outweighed by the reward of interacting with people about my art. It was the first time it has been publicly displayed, and it felt great.”

Above: One of the artists, Earl stands next to the masks he created.

Another of the artists in attendance on the day was Angelina, who performed some of the raps that she had written about her experience growing up and about the mental health issues she has faced. She said: “The event was a truly meaningful celebration of creativity and connection, showcasing the work of people with lived experience of mental health challenges. Performing a few of my raps was a real highlight – the audience was warm, engaged, and receptive. The feedback I received afterward was incredibly impactful and has inspired me to keep sharing my message through creativity. It was extremely uplifting and motivating to be part of a space where people could share their work and support one another so genuinely.”

Katie Mehlig-Reeve, Community Engagement Co-ordinator at Bath Assembly Rooms, said: “The Assembly Rooms was a place that was built for people to come together, to gather, to share stories and to share connections. What we’ve got going on here today feels like exactly that sort of thing. We’ve got amazing creativity that has inspired us to come together and connect with each other, and to celebrate the power of art. Helping us in different ways and with different mental health experiences.”

The exhibition was part of Reconnecting the Rooms – a project that aims to bring people together and improve social connection as Bath Assembly Rooms undergoes a £17m refurbishment. Reconnecting the Rooms has been made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery players.

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