RIG Arts

RIG Arts is a socially engaged arts charity which connects artists and communities in a creative, collaborative way to affect positive change. The organisation strives for positive change in regeneration, mental health, wellbeing, climate and heritage, and is passionate about using creativity and innovation to make a difference in people’s lives and their environments.

RIG Arts received funding from the Hays Travel Foundation to fund Arts & Mind workshops which are designed to improve wellbeing and strengthen social bonds by bringing people with shared experience of mental health issues together. The workshops use culture to enhance lives and give vulnerable young people a better start in life.

In the workshops, participants have been able to create their own art work using materials such as paints, clay and crayons which allow participants to express themselves, whilst also offering sensory experiences. In addition to the ability to express themselves, the participants are able to take part in self-directed learning which helps to improve their motivation by giving them more control, and allows them to personalise the learning experience. 

The result of the Arts & Mind workshops has been extremely beneficial, and have offered improvements to communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing and social skills whilst fostering creativity and self-expression.