The Big Issue - April 2009
Helen Heinkens-Lewis, Head of Learning
To celebrate the success of the Big Issues Workshops in 2008, Watts Gallery is grateful to Belgravia Gallery for hosting an exhibition of art work produced during this pilot programme.
The Big Issues project was a natural evolution of Watts's belief in Art for All. G. F. Watts and his second wife, Mary Seton Watts, believe passionately in the transformational impact of art and they supported the efforts of the famous social reformer Canon Samuel Barnett in the East End of London.
As part of the Watts Gallery Art For All learning programme, the Big Issues project started in 2008, with a series of art workshops for women prisoners at HMP Send, young offenders in partnership with Surrey Youth Justice Service and Street Level Arts, an art group based in Guildford, which includes people with mental health problems, reformed drugs users, rough sleepers and people living in temporary accommodation.
Each workshop series started by introducing members to the work of G.F. Watts and Watts Gallery. Watts's paintings often addressed issues such as homelessness, the exploitation of women and poverty and these themes were a good starting point for discussing art. The Street Level Arts group was particularly inspired by visiting the Watts Chapel, and its member were all keen to start making their own pottery pieces. For all the groups, several practical workshops allowed each individual to make art work using a variety of media of their choice, such as painting, drawing, pottery or photography, based on themes that inspired them with the support of an artist.
The project was very well received by our partnership organisations with participants becoming calmer, young offenders re-entering education and we were encouraged to offer more worships in the future. At HMP Send the women who took part still continue to make art in the cells and now meet for informal art mentoring sessions with Sandy Curry, The Fenton Arts Trust Artist in Residence at Watts Gallery 2006-07.
This led to developing an idea for an artist in residence scheme at the prison, the first for HMP Send. The Michael Varah Artist in Residence scheme will allow Watts Gallery to offer continuation of learning to the 2008 participants and other prisoners, in addition to Big Issues workshop programme in 2009.
Started in 1986 by Anna Hunter, Belgravia Gallery is London's showcase for work by truly outstanding artist and people of renown. It is located in the heart of the art district close to Piccadilly. Professional, welcoming and approachable, Belgravia Gallery is committed to raising funds for charities through the sale of fine art and photography.
The Big Issues Belgravia Gallery, 45 Albemarle Street, London, 27-29 April 09.
With thanks to Belgravia Gallery, KPMG Foundation, The Fenton Arts Trust, Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales, and the Michael Varah Memorial Fund.
