Recovery Art
Recovery Art is a longstanding monthly programme, supporting those who are on their own personal journey of recovery with their mental and/or physical health. Each workshop is designed to encourage time in our galleries as well as exploring accessible creative activities.
Our friendly and experienced Learning and Engagement Team work with people, connecting them to artwork within our world class collection and each other through these creative workshops, exploring new skills while also exploring our own creativity. Our group considers recovery to be a cathartic process: an ongoing personal journey which can mean different things to different people.
Our aim is to positively improve health and wellbeing through engagement with our team, our peaceful and tranquil galleries and creative activities while supporting individual arts practice.
Funded by West Midlands Museum Development with Art Fund support
'This group always lifts me up. It's the highlight of my month. My mental health has improved significantly since joining Recovery Art at the Barber.' - Recovery Art member
Find out more
This free programme takes place monthly at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in our galleries and creative Project Space and Art Room. Each three hour workshop is designed to encourage time in our galleries as well as exploring accessible creative activities.
Who is this for?
This programme is for anyone over 18 who would benefit from being engaged with art and people. It is for those who need support with their mental or physical health, want to connect with people, define themselves as artists or simply want to try something new.
All abilities are welcome, no experience of the arts is necessary. The workshops involve looking and thinking together, encouraging our own thoughts and creativity so no prior knowledge of art or art history is needed.
Can I get involved?
We are welcoming new members. The programme has limited spaces of about 15 people per workshop so please contact learning@barber.org.uk for more information.
Our Team
Artist Collaboration
Alongside the Barber’s Learning and Engagement team, Recovery Art is shaped by artist and creative facilitator Ruth Turnbull.
Ruth oversees the themes for each month, working with the team to bring us together.
Learning and Engagement
Our Learning and Engagement team are committed in supporting our audiences. We all hold a full DBS, are accredited Mental Health First Aiders and Dementia Friends.
To view our current Safeguarding Policies around working with people, please visit our website here.