The Lounge Gallery
The Community Art Project
Tuesday 3 April - Saturday 12 May
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 in a studio at Darlington Arts Centre 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.
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.