Artists with mental health challenges face systemic barriers within the arts in the UK, with research showing that around 60% feel isolated from mainstream art communities due to a lack of understanding and inclusivity. And research by Arts Council England indicates that 68% of mentally ill and/or disabled artists feel that there are significant challenges to accessing creative opportunities. To confront and counter these inequities, we're developing a residency program that empowers artists to reclaim space, resources, and recognition.
We want to expand our impact, creating a permanent space for artists to push their own boundaries and continue making a powerful, distinctive difference in the lives of those who, like us, are navigating their mental health journeys.
Together, we can transform the way our communities perceive and engage with mental health, making it a shared journey of understanding, acceptance, and creative expression.
The video below outlines how BGW began, and how our ethos and activism evolved.