News / Golden Key
Changing perceptions and lives in Bristol
Looking up at his work displayed prominently on the wall, Wayne Hamilton reflects on how art has played a huge part in his recovery journey.
He is one of a group of Bristol artists to have their pieces included in the See the Full Picture exhibition as part of a national campaign to reduce the stigma experienced by some of the most disadvantaged and forgotten about people in society.
Hosted at The New Room in John Wesley’s Chapel in Broadmead, the exhibition showcases creative work by people with experience of multiple disadvantage from across the city.
is needed now More than ever
Wayne says art has helped him through his journey of recovery
“Art has helped me a lot,” says Wayne, an artist and representative of Independent Futures.
“Bringing up stages of my past and putting it back together again. It’s also about having space to do it and have work shown.”
Launched by Golden Key on the first ever Multiple Disadvantage Day, See The Full Picture also aims to raise awareness of the barriers faced by those who have faced multiple disadvantage – which could include childhood neglect, domestic abuse, homelessness, poor mental health or other challenges.
“With public support and more people pledging to #seethefullpicture, this campaign has the potential to instigate change,” says Hannah Mahoney, programme manager for Golden Key.
“The severity and complexity of a person’s problems means they are often turned away from the very services that are set up to help them because their behaviour is seen as too challenging.
“This means people with the most severe problems are even further excluded. Change could lead to services that are more cohesive, and more accessible.
“The reality is that without the right care and support, people facing multiple disadvantage may die. Most often prematurely.”
The day has been developed by 12 partnerships that deliver the Fulfilling Lives Programme – an eight-year initiative with an investment of £112m from The National Lottery Community Fund. The aim is to call for change in public perceptions, systems and services and positive change for people affected.
The exhibition is on display in The New Room all week
At the launch of the exhibition, Paul Smith, Bristol City Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “It’s about saying that people are much more than circumstances they find themselves in.
“There’s a huge amount of talent out there and that’s true of people on the streets as anyone else. That’s the message of this project.”
The exhibition will be on display all week.
Main image: Hannah Mahoney, Paul Smith, Wayne Hamilton and David Worthington, the director of The New Room.
Read more: ‘Conversation is the simplest and most effective way to help others’
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