Dalston art therapy charity is reaching out to public

Art equipment at Studio Upstairs: a studio space for artists with mental health issues. (Image: Archant)

Studio Upstairs, in Gillett Square, Dalston, encourages artists to come and flex their creativity, as well as producing art that they then have the option to sell.

Dan Murphy, who works at the charity, said: “We have been able to collaborate with the local business in the Square to do artwork and we made decorations for the Christmas tree a couple of years ago. At the moment we have an exhibition which was completely organised and put together by our members and it’s been going really well.

“We have another one that we are planning in October but we would love to be able to do more and collaborate more with local businesses and venues in Hackney.

“It would be good to build up the community in Hackney and become part of where we are.”

Studio Upstairs has been running for 27 years and artists undergoing treatment for mental health issues are usually referred to the charity by their care co-ordinators.

Dan said: “I think it is really important to have this; it is kind of a safe environment for people to come to and it gives routine and structure, which a lot of our members really like and appreciate.

“With Studio Upstairs, all of our members are really passionate artists, love art and want to make art and build on their skills. It’s a place where they can focus on something they are really passionate about and it is great because it’s something we can support by running exhibitions and we also have a shop where they can sell their art – we encourage them to sell their art for what it is worth.

“We also do a lot of trips and have a really good relationship with the Royal Academy; members have had work shown there.” To find out more about the charity and exhibitions, visit studioupstairs.org.uk.