I have been thinking about this lately as well. I think a thought I could add is that the increasing inaccessibility of artistic pursuits to regular people has also lead to art becoming that you are only worth doing if you are good enough at it. that you are willing to post it. I myself am a beginner-intermediate (depending on how charitable i am feeling) crocheter and i can tell you for a long time I felt what I made was not good enough, because it did not look algorithmically perfect. Recently I have started to break out of that, because I realised that my crochet projects, with their tears and fixer-knots that I make when a string tears because of use, are still worthy of display even if they aren't social media perfect.
Absolutely brilliant writing about a hidden failing in the UK, and the imaginative and determined ways people try to cope with it. In France these groups would get at least a grant to cover their lunches and an annual message of support from the President. We often have no idea how much difference the state could make in supporting community activity, at minimal cost.
“The neoliberalisation of the UK has turned us towards a belief that everything must be vocational, and that value only exists where it might be extracted by capital interests” - THIS. I loved this essay Heather, brilliant as always - you have a gift of seeing the remarkable in each and every person ❤️
Have you heard of Out of Sight out Of Mind at Summerhall? What you've written could also apply to us. We are more than an exhibition, we are also a space for connection, as the self we want to be, that society often does not allow us to be. We have helped many feel their creative self is valid, and claim the word artist if they wish it. I can't describe the feelings people have when they see their work in Summerhall for the first time, the emotion of leaving their lifelong belief that no-one was interested in their creative work. To paraphrase another commentator, our ethos is everyone is remarkable.
We provide more than a space on a wall, we give care, love, acceptance...I could go on, as so much of what you've written resonates but we have a website with a wee documentary if anyone is interested.
What also resonates is this year is likely our last year. We've grown over fourteen years into Scotland's largest exhibition for those with lived experience of mental health by those with lived experience of mental health as we are part of what will be gone due to the Edinburgh Joint Integration Board (Council and NHS) cuts to end most of community centered mental health activity in the city.
Your last lines, on deserving dignity of community, of togetherness, of creative pursuits, has hits deeply, as this our purpose. I wish Board could see and feel what you see and feel. I wish they would care for words like these, or the words of those who have found us meaningful, or the art. We used to be funded by someone who said you don't have to write any reports to justify yourself - I can go to the exhibition and see for myself the value and impact of what you do. But they only respond to the language of social value and financial impact.
Thank you for writing this, and making our work not just seen, but also beautiful. It's what I needed in between the emails of the cuts.
This is so wonderful and I am so glad to know you've been doing this work, but gutted to hear that it might be your last year. If there's anyway I can support the project please do let me know.
I have been thinking about this lately as well. I think a thought I could add is that the increasing inaccessibility of artistic pursuits to regular people has also lead to art becoming that you are only worth doing if you are good enough at it. that you are willing to post it. I myself am a beginner-intermediate (depending on how charitable i am feeling) crocheter and i can tell you for a long time I felt what I made was not good enough, because it did not look algorithmically perfect. Recently I have started to break out of that, because I realised that my crochet projects, with their tears and fixer-knots that I make when a string tears because of use, are still worthy of display even if they aren't social media perfect.
As a fellow crocheter I feel this!
Imperfect crocheters, RISE UP!
Nodding vehemently along with this piece. I've added that documentary to my watchlist now, though I know it will probably make me cry. 🖤
I sob every time. Every time!
This is a really beautiful piece, thank you Heather. It actually brought me to tears...
I've just watched this 🥹
Just made a wee donation to the club!
Oh this has made my day!
Absolutely brilliant writing about a hidden failing in the UK, and the imaginative and determined ways people try to cope with it. In France these groups would get at least a grant to cover their lunches and an annual message of support from the President. We often have no idea how much difference the state could make in supporting community activity, at minimal cost.
‘our current government, which dares to call itself a Labour government’… xx
“The neoliberalisation of the UK has turned us towards a belief that everything must be vocational, and that value only exists where it might be extracted by capital interests” - THIS. I loved this essay Heather, brilliant as always - you have a gift of seeing the remarkable in each and every person ❤️
Yousra that is such a beautiful thing to say! Thank you!
Have you heard of Out of Sight out Of Mind at Summerhall? What you've written could also apply to us. We are more than an exhibition, we are also a space for connection, as the self we want to be, that society often does not allow us to be. We have helped many feel their creative self is valid, and claim the word artist if they wish it. I can't describe the feelings people have when they see their work in Summerhall for the first time, the emotion of leaving their lifelong belief that no-one was interested in their creative work. To paraphrase another commentator, our ethos is everyone is remarkable.
We provide more than a space on a wall, we give care, love, acceptance...I could go on, as so much of what you've written resonates but we have a website with a wee documentary if anyone is interested.
What also resonates is this year is likely our last year. We've grown over fourteen years into Scotland's largest exhibition for those with lived experience of mental health by those with lived experience of mental health as we are part of what will be gone due to the Edinburgh Joint Integration Board (Council and NHS) cuts to end most of community centered mental health activity in the city.
Your last lines, on deserving dignity of community, of togetherness, of creative pursuits, has hits deeply, as this our purpose. I wish Board could see and feel what you see and feel. I wish they would care for words like these, or the words of those who have found us meaningful, or the art. We used to be funded by someone who said you don't have to write any reports to justify yourself - I can go to the exhibition and see for myself the value and impact of what you do. But they only respond to the language of social value and financial impact.
Thank you for writing this, and making our work not just seen, but also beautiful. It's what I needed in between the emails of the cuts.
https://www.outofsightoutofmind.scot/
This is so wonderful and I am so glad to know you've been doing this work, but gutted to hear that it might be your last year. If there's anyway I can support the project please do let me know.