The Community Art Project
The Community Art Project is an innovative and ground-breaking project that has been part of Darlington Borough Council's services for adults with learning disabilities since 2004. It evolved from an artist residency project that was initiated by Artists Agency (now Helix Arts) and the local NHS Trust.
The project provides an opportunity for adults with learning disabilities to try out various visual arts activities with support and encouragement from a professional artist.
The Community Art Project is based around each individual's preferences, skills and needs. People are encouraged to make their own choices and decisions, to work at their own pace and to the best of their abilities, increasing their level of ambition as their confidence develops.
The resulting artwork is regularly exhibited at the Arts Centre and other venues in the region and beyond. Service users working with the CAP have had work exhibited in Glasgow, London, Newcastle, Stockton, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Billingham.
Over twenty service users have had work selected in the past two Dover Biennial exhibitions and five artists formed part of the Earth Vision project that toured exhibition venues in Germany, Austria and Italy. The CAP also has artwork permanently on display in Pizza Express restaurant in Darlington.
Presented in a professional manner and in the context of a mixed contemporary programme of exhibitions, the artwork regularly attracts favourable reviews and positive feedback and is frequently sold to private buyers.
Contact details
If you would like more information about the Community Art Project including enquiries about viewing or purchasing artwork, please contact laurence.ward@darlington.gov.uk or telephone 01325 244174
News
Crown Street Gallery exhibition 2013
The Community Art Project held an exhibition at Crown Street Gallery from Saturday 30th March until Thursday 2nd May 2013.
More information about Crown Street Gallery
Daisies Cafe
The Community Art Project now has a selection of artwork on the walls of Daisies Café in Duke Street, Darlington. This initial selection features a wide range of artists and media including paintings, drawings, lino-cuts, foamboard prints and digital works. We will be changing the display on a regular basis and works will be for sale.
New premises
With the planned closure of the Arts Centre on Vane Terrace, the Community Art Project will move to The Bridge on Hundens Lane on Monday 9th July. The Bridge will become a visual arts hub for Darlington, also accommodating The Open Art Studio, Darlington Media Workshop and other arts groups and courses run by art tutors.