Open Arts is an award‑winning, evidence‑based arts and health programme that promotes
mental health and wellbeing through creativity.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone that has been part of Open Arts since 2008. To all the participants, volunteers, artists, studio managers, HOFS and Garon Park CIC - your support has helped for Open Arts make a difference to many lives. I wish you all you wish yourselves.
Important update
Due to funding restrictions, the Open Arts programme is now open only to individuals receiving care
within EPUT.
New 12‑Week Course – starting in September
We are pleased to announce a new 12‑week course starting in September at the Brentwood Resource Centre, supported by the Occupational Therapy team. Courses in Basildon and Chelmsford are also currently being explored.
How to take part
If you are interested in joining the programme, please speak to a member of staff at the EPUT service you attend and ask to be referred.
How Open Arts helps
Our courses include taster sessions in visual arts, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and crafts. Helping to develop new skills and confidence. But most importantly, we offer a positive and productive environment that has been part of many people's recovery.
2008 - 2025 What we've achieved
Our courses were facilitated by a professional lead artist with support from volunteer art assistants, and held in community locations rather than clinical settings to promote social inclusion.
Depending on the area, a representative from the local college information, guidance and advice service attended in the final weeks of the course, to signpost on to further educational and vocational opportunities, facilitating a smooth transition to maintain social inclusion.
At the end of the 12 week course, a six month studio placement was offered for independent art making within the same supportive studio environment. The studio time was used to continue to develop and improve what participants had learnt on their 12 week course through development of their arts practice with the support of studio managers and their peers around them. Participants were also encouraged to visit a gallery with the group and take part in a workshop within the gallery space. If they took up the studio placement they had the opportunity to work towards exhibiting in local art trails and open day events.
