Showcasing the '˜hidden creativity' of the homeless

Several homeless and recovery centres throughout the city will be taking part, displaying work from those who access support.

There will be a diverse and vibrant mix of painting, sculpture and photography showcasing the work by the many talented artists who use the Preston Park Recovery Services.

Justlife Artists will be opening their studio space in Brighton’s Open Market providing the opportunity to see an inspiring collection of works created by a range of talented artists who have experienced homelessness.

And Pavilions and Cascade Creative Recovery will be presenting the work of artists and craftsmen in recovery or on their journey towards recovery from drug and alcohol addictions.

For one day only – Saturday, May 19 – Pavilions, in partnership with Cascade Recovery, will be showcasing an exhibition of drawings, paintings, writing, photography, poetry and craftwork, with live performances from the Recovery Choir, spoken word, live music and a drama rehearsal for Brighton Fringe performance Washing Up.

It will also feature a photography exhibition of work from some of the city’s homeless people and those in treatment for drug and alcohol misuse.

Helene Begg, city manager for Pavilions said: “It is amazing to see the amount of creativity hidden in the homeless population and those struggling with substance misuse in the city. A lot of people have issues relating to substance misuse and homelessness and can’t remember who they were before these issues began. The exhibition is an opportunity to show that creativity is a mean of expressing the changes that are happening in their life on their personal journey towards recovery. Through working creatively they can start to recover a new sense of self and sustain long term change.”

Judy Stevens, festival director, said: “The Artist Open Houses has always been an inclusive festival, welcoming artists of all ages and from all areas of the community.

“We are particularly delighted this year to welcome a significant number of venues showing the work of artists who may otherwise be potentially excluded from the mainstream art world – those who are, or have experienced, periods of homelessness, are in recovery, or are artists with learning disabilities or metal health issues.

“At the core of our ethos is a belief in the great benefits of art and creativity for all, and in offering opportunities for a new and important engagement between these artists and our audiences.”

For the full listings of Artists Open Houses, visit: www.aoh.org.uk