Open Arts

at The Art House- part of the Hadleigh Old Fire Station community, arts and culture facility

Silk and batik workshop with Sally Chinea and Open Arts Studio members
Sally Chinea / Open Arts Studio
Silk and batik workshop with Sally Chinea and Open Arts Studio members
Silk and batik workshop with Sally Chinea and Open Arts Studio members
Mixed media by Sarah
Frog, watercolour pencils, by Nikkii
Collage by Emma
Turtles by Christina
Cat, collage by Allie
Open Arts

Open Arts is a community arts and mental health programme run as one of the charities managed within the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

Working across the county of Essex, we help people improve and maintain their own mental health and wellbeing, through creative learning, social inclusion and self expression.

It’s a chance to learn and practice all kinds of artistic techniques, and be part of a friendly, supportive and creative group.   All participants are aged 16 or older, who have either experienced mental health problems or are a carer.

Our courses include taster sessions in visual arts, such as drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. We also offer drama, digital arts and photography courses that help develop new skills and confidence. But most importantly, we offer a positive and productive environment that has been part of many people’s recovery.

As well as the courses, Open Arts offers volunteer work, links to further learning, research projects, exhibitions and studio provision at The Art House– part of the Hadleigh Old Fire Station community, arts and culture facility. The Art House offers Open Arts participants and volunteers the opportunity to develop their individual arts practice over a longer period of time at the Open Arts Studio, with the support and networks of local arts practitioners.

To find out more about Open Arts

Please watch our Open Arts promotional film https://youtu.be/AXrFkRhEG1A

Email: epunft.open.arts@nhs.net / jo.keay@nhs.net

Phone Jo Keay 07580 982462  /  07903 188 673

Visit www.openartsessex.org

www.facebook.com/openartsessex

Instagram: www.instagram.com/openartsessex 

https://eput.nhs.uk/our-services/essex/essex-mental-health-services/adults/open-arts/

How can you help?

Open Arts is NOT FUNDED by the NHS but operates completely on external funding, donations and fundraising by participants, volunteers and local businesses. If you can help support Open Arts or would like information on how you can, please contact us.

Please make cheques payable to ‘EPUT Charity Fund

You can donate online via CAF www.cafonline.org search for Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Charities or 1053793. Please make sure you type For Open Arts in the message box.

Thank you

2020 Open Arts shortlisted for national Hearts for the Arts Award, best arts project; arts, health and wellbeing

National Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards

2016 Open Arts ‘Highly Commended’ in the Partnership Work category

2015 and 2013 Winners of the Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing Award. http://positivepracticemh.com/

Registered Charity number 1053793

Comments about this page

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  • Click on this comment to see the Open Arts video on their lock-in activities. Great to see!

    By Nick Turner (24/04/2020)
  • Great to see Open Arts taking its place in all that is good in Hadleigh. A group that I always enjoyed visiting. The work that they achieve deserves to be funded. Wish them continued success.

    By Brian Hickey (18/04/2020)
  • Keep your hands busy and your mind occupied, seeing, making and appreciating beautiful things for a better human experience. What they’re doing at HOFS and the Art House is commendable and must be supported.

    By Robert Hallmann (16/04/2020)
  • A fabulously worthwhile charitable enterprise, run by lovely people, all of whom Hadleigh and the HOFS Community are justly proud. They simply help make the world a Better Place.

    By David Hurrell (15/04/2020)

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