ARTS ON PRESCRIPTION GOES FOR A WALK-CASE STUDY
The Arts on Prescription project was originally modelled on a scheme focusing on promoting
good mental health through engagement with the arts delivered by Stockport Primary Care
Trust. In Nottinghamshire, the scheme was led by the Nottingham based arts charity City Arts,
supported by a range of sponsors from the NHS, business, Nottingham University and local
councils, and offered a range of arts activities including: creative writing, music, batik,
photography, fine art, textiles, mono printing and sculpture. The activities were designed to
develop self-expression, social interaction and self confidence building and relied on effective
partnership working with GP’s, mental health professionals, the voluntary sector and carers.
Over 60 people benefited from this initial programme with many reporting tangible
improvements in their mental health. Others opted to continue their artistic endeavours with
several going on to paid employment.
ARTS ON PRESCRIPTION GOES FOR A WALK IN ASHFIELD
Early in 2011 City Arts was awarded a grant from Ashfield District Council in order to further
develop the Arts on Prescription programme in the District. An innovative development of the
programme was the use of the local environment as a resource for arts activities and the
greater inclusion of physical exercise into the scheme.
The programme included working in partnership with the Forestry Commission in order to
deliver outdoor sessions using two of the District’s country parks, Silverhill Wood and Teversal
Country Park, both of which had recently been developed on the sites of former coal mines.
The Arts on Prescription goes for a Walk pilot programme was extensively advertised via local
media and mental health service professionals and attracted 10 adults suffering from a range of
mental health issues. The Ashfield based artist Keith Hoffman-Dorn led the delivery of the 6
weekly two and a half hour sessions using the Teversal Visitor Centre as a base.
The project participants had the opportunity to use natural materials found in the parkland and
build controlled fires in order to process specific items, e.g. the creation of charcoal for use in
graphic work. The sessions included the creation of temporary installations, ‘cave painting’, the
formation of press moulds and plaster casting using pieces of found industrial debris.
The results of a Customer Satisfaction Survey carried out at the conclusion of the project
showed 100% satisfaction. Individual comments were particularly illuminating including one
participant remarking, ‘This is the best event I have been to.’ The artist was experienced in
working with people suffering psychological issues, including residencies in hospitals and
commented on the way in which the group developed a positive, innovative dynamic. The
inclusion of a Forest Ranger in the sessions enhanced the participant’s appreciation of the
environment and allowed for more innovative experiments.
Session One: Land Art using natural found materials
Session Two: Cave Painting with ground pigments
Session Three: Sculpture using natural materials
Session Four: Drawing with charcoal that the group had made
Session Five: Making press moulds with found objects and casting in plaster
Session Six: Decorating dried plaster casts and drawing locations chosen by individuals
participating
CONCLUSIONS
The programme evaluation demonstrates the success of the project:
Do you think the arts activity has …
yes
Improved your mental health and well being?
100%
Improved your confidence?
100%
Improved your social networks?
100%
Learnt new skills?
Do you think the walking activity has …
100%
yes
100%
Improved your physical health?
Improved your mental health and well being?
Improved your confidence?
Improved your social networks?
Preferred activity …
Art / Walk / Both
Would you want to do other projects like this?
no
no
100%
100%
100%
Both activities
Walk
92%
yes
8%
no
100%
Some barriers to participation were due to transport issues, although a number were able to
use public transport. Also the walking aspect of the activities was a challenge due to the mixed
ability of the group and could be taken into account in any subsequent project.
As a result of the success of the Arts on Prescription goes for a Walk pilot, a larger scale
programme is being developed focusing on an extensive country park that is jointly owned and
managed by Gedling Borough and Ashfield District Councils.
The recent publicity generated by the Prime Minister’s emphasis on the nurture of ‘wellbeing’
has created an excellent opportunity for those of us involved in the arts sector to highlight the
role of creativity in the mental and physical health of the nation. There has perhaps been no
greater time for the arts to engage with the health and wellbeing agenda than now.
John Tattersfield
Community Development Arts Officer
Ashfield District Council