Definition of wellbeing explored in new exhibition

A new exhibition which shares personal views of strength and wellbeing is now on show at a historic County Durham venue.

Durham County Council has commissioned its next exhibition at the gallery space in Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

The exhibition, Resilience, Remedies and Reasons, created by artist Emma Fay, builds on the growing everyday conversations of wellbeing and serves as a reminder that everyone has their own view on what it means to be well.

In developing the exhibition, Emma worked with participants from the Community Learning Project (CLiP), the West Indian Senior Citizens Leicester Ageing Together Project and Zfit Community alongside members of the public to understand their impressions of wellbeing and mental health.

Working with participants one-to-one, Emma portrayed their perceptions of strength and mental wellbeing through the medium of body art and photography.

Inspired by Emma’s work, Bishop Auckland community arts organisation Daisy Arts will also be exhibiting a selection of works from its ‘b.u. … beautifully you’ body art and photography series, which will be displayed alongside the exhibition at the town hall.

In addition, Daisy Arts’ Youth Theatre members will also be sharing creations from a workshop delivered by Emma in response to her work.

The exhibition supports the county’s current bid to become UK City of Culture 2025, showcasing how its vast cultural programme supports people’s health and wellbeing through the provision of cultural activities and opportunities for local communities.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma and her artwork to our gallery space at Bishop Auckland Town Hall. Emma’s exhibition explores a very meaningful topic in a beautiful and thought-provoking way, encouraging people to consider the experiences of others when it comes to strength and wellbeing.

“Our gallery space is just one of the many venues we have across the county where people can come to enjoy the vast cultural offering that we have, from art, photography, music and food. Our county has so many unique places to celebrate culture, which is why we are bidding to become UK City of Culture 2025. Exhibitions like Emma’s provide the opportunity for local people to get involved in culture, creating a sense of community and belonging which supports people’s wellbeing.”

Resilience, Remedies and Reasons will be on display at Bishop Auckland Town Hall until Wednesday 29 June.

The exhibition is free to view and is open Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays, from 10am to 4pm.