Exploration in 2009

 

‘We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.’

T S Eliot from ‘Little Gidding’, Four Quartets

The following text is a summary of the project Exploration, written by Nickova, October 2009

Artist Nickova initiated the project Exploration to provide opportunities for people with learning disabilities to take part in an exciting visual art project. This included people on the autistic spectrum and people with mild to moderate learning disabilities such as people classed as people with ‘challenging behavior’ and ‘multiple needs’. (For definitions please see the section “The different Workshops, Definitions and Timing of the Project” in the evaluation folder). These are people usually excluded from art projects. The project aimed to help people express ideas and make informed choices through an expressive, variable – painting based – creative process.

Involving the artist and support worker Sue Sargeaunt, the project also intended to build a professional relationship between the participating artists, to extend and explore their skills, whilst facilitating high quality art workshops for people with complex needs. The artists were aiming to achieve high quality processes and outcomes as well as to combine and to develop artistic skills with care support skills.

It was the first time that the artists have delivered workshops for people with severe multiple needs. During the project Sue Sargeaunt and Nickova developed a range of methods to work with people with different levels of disability. In the longer term the artists are hoping to use the artistic experience and the developed expertise for future projects in similar settings.

Exploration has been an overall success on different levels of engagement:

• The artists have been able to build a valuable working relationship based on trust and respect. New skills were mutually developed throughout the experiences of the project.
• We were very fortunate that the Colebrook Day Service was open and supportive to provide culture entitlement for the people using the service. The participants in Exploration developed self-determination and engaged in decision-making and learning activities.
• The Day Service management (John Spedding) supported the artist Nickova (external to the service) and welcomed the opportunity for staff and the people who use the service to take part in a new experience. This was altogether a very positive process, however, there were at times jealousy and rejections towards the project. This is understandable because of the level of staff support that was needed for the project. This was often an extra burden, especially when the Service experienced staff shortages. By the end of the project most people expressed that Exploration had been a valuable experience, the outcomes were admired and people said they would like to take part in similar projects in the future. (This is documented in staff and participant’s evaluation forms).
• The workshop has helped people who use the service to explore expressions of who they are and what they can learn and do themselves. Participants developed personal confidence, a feeling of purpose and self worth (as documented with photographs and diary notes). Participants were empowered through the engagement with the project and gained a purpose through the creative process and their artwork. The creative process involved contemplation and reflection, which provided valuable benefits for the people involved.
• The quality and quantity of the work produced was overwhelming and for most of the staff and management a surprise. This highlights the importance of the opportunity for people to explore and express their creativity.
• The informal mentoring process with Project Artworks, Hastings has been difficult to employ efficiently due to the geographical distance and conflicting project times. Sarah Broome from Project Artwork visited the project Exploration on the last workshop day. This was of benefit as Sarah could view the work created during the project. The dialogue with Sarah and her feedback was very positive and encouraging.
• The participants (and the artists) produced a wealth of diverse and valuable work during the process. These outcomes need to be carefully reviewed and prepared for public exposure.

The artists are now in the process of developing the 2nd Phase of Exploration: To present the outcomes to other organisations or individuals interested in working with people with learning disabilities in the visual arts. Contacts have been established with Project Artworks in Hastings (Sarah Broome) and the University of Brighton, Integrated MA (Alice Fox). Further contacts will include the Reigate School of Art and Design, the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, Lockwood Studios, Surrey, Riverhouse Barn, Cranleigh Art Centre and Creative Response – all in Surrey. This exposure is to raise awareness and highlight the outcomes of the workshops and its process. We hope to encourage fresh perceptions about the creative skills of people with learning disability. The exposure also creates the opportunity of building networks in the community. We are aiming to share our evaluation and promote ‘good practice’ and expertise skills.

• A world press blog has been set up for anyone interested in the visual arts based work with people with learning disabilities. The blog provides access to the evaluation, diary notes and some of the photographic documentation.

The underestimated time to review and prepare four workshops per week (both artist had other work responsibilities) hindered the establishment of a blog during the project. Diary notes have now subsequently been added to the blog. This of course takes away the live dynamic of a blog but the artists are hoping that a live dialog will be established during the future presentation and exhibition period of Exploration.

Difficulties during the project of Exploration

• Preparation and Presentation prior to the workshops: We underestimated the time needed for preparation and presentations of Exploration to staff and the people who use the service. (See also section of ‘Building Relationships’ in evaluation folder.)
• Setting up the room: Even though we were lucky to use a large room where we could make a mess, the room was still used for keywork sessions and we had to set–up and take-down tables, easels and other material. This was time consuming.
• Information about participants: The tight schedule and decision to give presentations prior to the start of the workshop, meant we were unable to gain information about participants before working with them. (See also section of ‘Building Relationships’ in evaluation folder).
• Underestimated time needed for preplanning and review during workshop period: We underestimated the time for preparation and review during the process. Nickova had to work extra time voluntarily to keep on top of the project.
• James (service user) dependency on Sue: Sue had worked with James for years as his key worker. We were aware that it would be difficult for James to relate to Nickova, a complete stranger, whilst Sue was around. We realised the need for Sue to distance herself from James to increase his independency and autonomy in his creative process.
• Conflict with own ambitions and empowerment of participants: Part of building a good relationship was our aspiration to interfere as little as possible and to empower the participants to make their own decisions and choices. This was sometimes difficult for us especially when our own ambitions of producing ‘presentable outcomes’ came in the way. Sue and I were conscious about this and would remind each other to step back and to give the participant space and time to explore their own creative engagement. (See also section of ‘Building Relationships’ in evaluation folder.)
• Consent forms for public use of photographs: Only at the start of the project did we think about consent forms. This can be a difficult issue when working with vulnerable people in an institution. We were lucky to be able to use the existing forms of the Service (another sign of a good partnership working!)
• Evaluation after the project: Underestimated time needed to complete evaluation.

Highlights of the Project Exploration:

 

• Presentations at beginning
• Very supportive staff and management
• Building of trust relationship with participants
• Engagement and commitment of participants
• The quality of the work produced
• To work with a photographer  (even if it wasn’t in every session)
• Great working together with Sue (and on a different level – Sue taking responsibility for internal admin at the Service)
• Having a large space
• Good communication/feedback with keyworkers during project
• Group dynamics in portrait group – all out for dinner at the last day!
• Learning to let go and to give space
• Encourage us – the artists – to explore different expression