This virtual installation was created as part of the Pathways to Wellbeing programme, as a response to the closure of Bath’s museums and galleries due to the covid-19 pandemic. Pathways to Wellbeing is an innovative project bringing museums, art galleries and mental health and support organisations together to work in partnership across the city of Bath, led by The Holburne Museum.
We’ve had to think creatively about how to keep connected with all the people we usually support and inspire in weekly group sessions.Louise Campion, Learning and Community Engagement Officer at The Holburne Museum & Pathways to Wellbeing Programme Manager
This collaborative piece brings together regular participants and the wider creative community of artists, makers and museum-curious people which has grown around the virtual art group we’ve been running. The project invited people to ‘show us your spoons!’ Entries came from far and wide, with 60 video clips and images woven together by filmmaker Niki Jewett to create an imaginary house full of spoons all inspired by Sir William Holburne’s love of silver spoons! The film is made from many individual creative acts, all made in isolation, but brought together as a poignant collaborative effort from the kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and sitting rooms of people living in lockdown.
We, along with our partners, recognise the important and inspiring role that the arts can play in promoting wellbeing. Pathways to Wellbeing has been effective in identifying and working with local people who are most able to benefit from engaging with art. This success is built on the strong working relationships forged between the museums and supporting organisations including Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and Creativity Works, a National Portfolio Organisation. The new funding (2019-22) will allow the project to extend these opportunities to young men living with mental health issues and those living in rural areas outside the city.