Ahoy there!
We are looking for people to form a metaphorical lifeboat crew for a creative arts and health research project, based at Cody Dock in Newham.
We invite you to connect with other people to reimagine healthcare as an open ecosystem, using metaphors related to islands, sailing, and maritime themes to reframe healthcare experiences.
During a series of creative workshops between July and December (1 per month), we will think and make together, to generate ideas and artworks that will lead to an exhibition in Spring 2025 at UCL East.
What will the sessions involve?
Each session will be themed around maritime concepts like the weather, navigation and signalling to help us rethink safety, risk and choices in healthcare and will involve different creative activities. Activities may involve drawing, photography and creative writing that will be playful and related to islands, sailing, and maritime themes. You don’t need any creative experience as we will support you and provide everything you need to participate. All materials will be provided.
Who is this project for?
Everyone is welcome! We anticipate this project being of interest to carers, people with lived experience or healthcare professionals but everyone is welcome. Sooner or later health will affect us all and we all have valuable knowledge and perspectives. We believe everybody has artistic ability and you don’t need to have any creative experience or background.
Why is this important?
We will be working with the idea of ‘collective social safety’ which is about people feeling and being safe with each other when someone has a serious illness. We think this idea could help people tell healthcare workers what matters most to them, and how they want their care to work. Your contributions will be integral!
What will be the outcome?
The ideas and artworks that we create together will culminate in an exhibition in Spring 2025 at UCL East.
What is the time commitment?
Each session will be around 3 hours, starting at 1.30 pm. We think you will get the most out of it if you can stay for at least 2 hours, please talk to us if you can’t manage the whole time. There will be optional creative tasks for you to play with and think about between sessions, but there is no obligation to complete these.
What if I can’t make a session?
That’s ok. Each session is stand-alone so you won’t fall behind and you will be welcomed back any time! We can be flexible to support you as needed if you let us know.
Can I withdraw at any time?
Yes, or you can attend as many, or as few sessions as works for you. If you decide the project isn’t for you, we can discuss with you whether you are happy for your contributions up to that point, being included in the final artwork.
Are contributions anonymous?
Yes. Work will be included with your consent. We’d love to include all the crew’s names on the exhibition information, but you can opt out and we can discuss this more in the sessions if you have any queries or concerns.
Session times
Friday 19th July: 1.30 – 4.30 pm
Friday 23rd August: 1.30 – 4.30 pm
Friday 13th September: 1.30 – 4.30 pm
October: TBC
November: TBC
December: TBC
Support and access needs:
We can be flexible to support your time commitments, care responsibilities and/or health needs. If you need to miss a session or need to leave early we understand. If you decide the project isn’t for you, you can withdraw at any time. If you have additional support needs or access costs, let us know and we can support you. No art experience is necessary!
Who is facilitating this and organising the project?
Laura Copsey: An artist and occupational therapist. Instagram: @laurachops.
Sarah Yardley: A doctor and researcher at UCL. Instagram: @lavendercrew.
Julia Briscoe: Independent Consultant Nurse, Ethnobotanist, and Forager at Cody Dock.
How to get to Cody Dock
- Cody Dock is a 6 minute walk from Star Lane DLR Station. The DLR is a fully accessible public transport network with step-free access into all stations. Use the Stephenson Street exit from Star Lane station (the exit to the left) when departing from the platform.
- Cody Dock is a 4 minute walk to the 323 bus stops (South Crescent Business Centre (Stop H) and North Crescent Business Centre (Stop J).
- Parking reserved for those with special access needs: On-site parking available upon request in advance. Please contact the event manager in advance.
Please be advised that street parking Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6.30 pm is paid by phone with a max stay of 4 hours.
Funding
Trellis is an art commissioning program that brings together artists, UCL researchers, and local East London communities to co-create work. Learn more about Trellis
