People affected by homelessness take a leap of faith with art exhibition

People affected by homelessness take a leap of faith with Dundee digital art exhibition

 A Leap of Faith into the Future, an interactive mobile phone and tablet app-based art exhibition, gave its visitors an emotional and unique insight into the mind of individuals affected by homelessness when it opened in Dundee earlier this week.

The exhibition featured artwork created by 4 Craigowl Futures clients.

Craigowl Futures works with people across Dundee who have been affected by homelessness, social isolation or poverty.

A Leap of Faith into the Future Facilitator and artist, Jeannette Ginslov said: “Art as therapy, involving movement and creating interactive media using mobile devices, is beneficial to the Craigowl Future\'s clients as the sessions shift perception, instil confidence and create a sense of creative agency.

“Each participant has had a hurdle to overcome and, through these sessions, they have opened themselves up to change and a sense of belief and courage that is needed to move with confidence into the future.

“Making, creating and devising by any means makes any person feel adventurous, brave and accomplished.”

This unique art exhibition was opened by the recently appointed Director of Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), Beth Bate.

On opening the exhibition, Beth Bate said: “This inspiring project is a perfect example of how culture can ‎change lives for the better, whether you\'re an artist, a viewer or a participant.

“It\'s also wonderful to see another example of digital technology being used so imaginatively in our city.”

In addition to the art on display, guests were treated to refreshments courtesy of Roseangle Café.

Located on Dundee’s Perth Road and managed by Craigowl Communities, Roseangle Café is a community café that supports people to progress into employment.

Craigowl Communities Managing Director, Lynn Cunningham said: “Where better to exhibit our client’s exciting artwork than our community café, which is located just a few steps from Dundee’s College of Art and Design?

“Some of the artwork is quite challenging and the exhibition takes its audience on an emotional, rewarding and challenging journey into our clients’ minds.

“Many of our Futures clients have experienced real difficulties but, with our support, they are now moving forward and working to improve their lives.  A Leap of Faith into the Future, and art as therapy, helps them with this process.”

A Leap of Faith into the Future will be open to the public from Tuesday 1 March to Saturday 5th March 2016 and can be viewed at Roseangle Café, 132 Perth Road, Dundee, from 10am to 4pm daily.

Craigowl’s Futures project is jointly funded by Dundee City Council and Scottish Government’s People and Community Fund.

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