The Visible Art Project (VAP) was originally established as an engagement project running alongside performances of my solo work Now You See It, but then evolved into a stand alone community art project in its own right.

It explores themes of invisibility, isolation and disappearance that have influenced my work and enables participants to have a creative voice and visibility.  

How it works…

VAP works with groups that meet regularly or as a space that people drop in to. The working space could be a performance venue, public building, community centre, cafe, village hall, school, college or university- an informal space where people can sit (maybe with a cup of tea!) to and be creative.

We start the session by checking in and opening up themes and ideas that feel relevant to the group and current climate.

I introduce the idea of creating their own individual works of art- a poster, message, slogan, abstract expression etc.

VAP encourages freedom of expression

Like in any artistic process, there is no right or wrong result, no expectation placed on the participants, only an instruction to be open and curious to the outcome.

I provide clear starting points for participants to begin: paper templates inspired by the themes and images in my work, cut out words from my script, images and slogans/taglines from newspapers and magazines, and complemented by collage materials, paint, marker pens, pastels, glue, scissors etc.

The work might consciously or unconsciously be influenced by, or in reaction to, something political, social, popular culture, personal experience etc. people are often surprised by what comes out!

VAP is suitable for all age groups from teenagers upwards (although younger children often participate when accompanying an adult).  It’s interesting to engage with different generations on the challenges they face around visibility: from isolation due to growing up in an internet driven culture to invisibility issues experienced by the older generation.

At the end of a VAP residency, the resulting art works are made visible through exhibition in a public space or private viewing space as well as being shared through VAP’s social media channels.