How one Fellowship door can lead to so many more

My research trip enabled me to explore Outsider Art – a term used to describe work created by often untrained and under-represented artists - in America and Japan. My trip included visiting the first ‘Living Museum’, founded in 1983 and housed in the grounds of Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, New York. According to its Director and Founder, Dr Janos Marton, The Living Museum offers a non-judgmental arts space where individuals can flourish and explore their creativity in a studio setting, redefining as an artist in a stress-free environment.

Speaking to artists who used the studio, the therapeutic benefit of being in a creative space as outlined by The Mental Health Foundation was evident. An increased sense of community, the decrease in feelings of stress and anxiety and participants feeling more in control were all described in our conversations.

Following my initial visit, I wanted to know if this unique environment could be replicated elsewhere. I admit to having my doubts. Being awarded a post research grant from the Churchill Fellowship last year enabled me to pursue my enquiry, and after consulting with Dr Marton, he invited me to visit Dr Rose Ehemann, Director of The Living Museum, Switzerland.

A couple of Zoom meetings later, I made my way to The Living Museum, situated in the grounds of the St Gallen Psychiatric Hospital, Wil, just outside Zurich. The arts provision comprises seven discrete studios and is home to 150 artists working in media including wood, textiles, painting and music; and a ceramic studio with one of the largest kilns I’ve seen in a studio space!

I spent two days at this amazing studio, meeting staff and artists, who were both inpatients and day patients, trained and untrained. With support from clinicians, and some nuanced differences, including open public access to the café, it was apparent that the ethos of The Living Museum in New York was alive and well in Switzerland.

My Churchill Fellowship was a real turning point for me. At the time I had worked in both the Arts and Mental Health for almost 15 years, with the disciplines rarely crossing paths. My Fellowship gave me the opportunity to bring my two interests together, giving me the opportunity to look to other shores to see what ’s possible. I hope that my exploration of models like The Living Museum can inspire the establishment of the first of these artistic communities here in the UK.

In June 2023, I was invited by Isabelle Wachsmuth, Art Impact for Health Lead, World Health Organisation, to return to Switzerland to present my Churchill Fellowship learnings, alongside Dr.Rose Ehemann, at The Living Together Festival. This wonderful event brings mental health and arts practitioners together to share ideas, research and best practice around common themes.

Isabelle Wachsmuth commented: “Together we are creating a universal dance across the world where we are able to interconnect local, regional and international research and initiatives. These intersections between social prescribing, community and people engagement and the power of creativity and organic design pave the way to move people together in harmony. It was wonderful to have Angela and Dr Ehemann as our guest speakers.’

Speaking about her experience, Dr Rose Ehemann, commented: ‘It was so inspiring to meet dedicated people who want to make a difference in our society. Through the creation of more Living Museums, we aim to transform society to show more humanity and tolerance, to reduce stigma and change identities from people with mental Illnesses to artists. We want to show their extraordinary potential to the public and create caring communities with each Living Museum that can allow recovery and healing through the arts and an inspiring, nourishing atmosphere.’

The Living Museum Association now has 23 sites across the globe along with a training programme designed for practitioners who want to establish a Living Museum within their community. All follow that original ethos of inclusivity and the therapeutic benefit of creativity, providing a platform on which to challenge the fear and stigma that often surround mental ill health and diagnosis.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity that the Churchill Fellowship gave me to pursue my research interests and recognise through the people I’ve met and the places I’ve been, that first important opportunity has led to so much more.

For more information contact Angela via @Angelasamata on Instagram and Twitter.