The Creative Learning Team at The McManus has celebrated another successful partnership with Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) following an eight-week creative learning programme supporting people living with long-term health conditions, including acquired brain injury and chronic pain.
Delivered by artists Jo Craig and Suzie Scott alongside Kim Galligan from the Creative Learning Team, the programme invited participants to explore costume, textiles, printmaking and design in response to the exhibition Curtain Call: Costumes from Stage to Screen.
The project, the sixth delivered in partnership between The McManus and THAT, was designed to provide person-centred creative learning opportunities while fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where participants could develop new skills, build confidence and express themselves through art.
Drawing inspiration from both the exhibition and the museum's collections, participants experimented with a range of techniques including mono printing, Gelli plate printing and textile printing before creating their own final artworks for display.
The programme culminated in a celebration event on 11 June, where participants shared their work with family, friends and the staff who helped support the project.
Participant feedback:
"These classes are a welcome lifeline for all of us, and I haven't been on one that I haven't loved."
Kim Galligan, Learning and Engagement Assistant (Digital) at The McManus, said:
"This has been such a rewarding project to support. It's fantastic to see participants grow in confidence and develop their creative skills each week.
"Every session brought new creative challenges, which were embraced by everyone involved. Just as importantly, projects like this create opportunities for people to connect with others, build friendships and improve their wellbeing through creative activity.
Seeing that flourish throughout the programme is incredibly valuable."
Iona McCann, Projects Manager at Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust, said:
"Living with a long-term health condition can be incredibly isolating, and there are often additional barriers to accessing creative activities that support health and wellbeing.
"Projects like this help people connect with others, express themselves creatively and explore their identity beyond their condition. The McManus is a special space, with something to inspire everyone, and we greatly value our partnership with the Creative Learning Team in making opportunities like this possible."
To find out more about Creative Learning at The McManus visit Creative Learning | The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum
