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Who We Are & What We Do
Art Branches is a non-profit community organisation in East Anglia, focused on improving wellbeing through creative projects linked to the environment and local heritage. Projects include courses, workshops and one-off events.
Wellbeing benefits come from the therapeutic value of engaging with, and creatively reflecting on, the natural and built world.
Our projects are often inspired by specific environments, taking place in outdoor settings and historic landscapes.
We were founded as a response to the ongoing rise in the prevalence and breadth of mental health challenges.
Our project activities combine the creative arts with heritage, the environment and stimulating opportunities in supported groups.
These improve wellbeing and develop confidence and skills, creating an improved sense of self-worth, competency, relatedness (feeling connected to others), autonomy (feeling in control) and belief – key factors in promoting motivation and wellbeing and improved mental health.
We incorporate a wide range of creative activities, including drawing, painting, collage, printing, photography, poetry, textiles, sculpture and filmmaking.
Workshops and events are delivered in schools, community centres, parks, residential homes, hospitals and online.
Our Aims
Collaborate with partners and organisations to create interesting and imaginative projects relevant to the people we work with
Work alongside adults and children recovering from mental health conditions
Innovate and test new ideas crossing conventional boundaries
Deliver engaging creative projects inspired by our natural and urban heritage
Celebrate our rich culture through creative processes across the arts
Our Expertise & Experience
Art Branches' work is led by an experienced team with a wealth of expertise and qualifications in health and social care, environmental consultancy, heritage, project management, art, design, cultural enrichment and research.
We are able to carefully match team members to the knowledge and skills required to effectively deliver high quality results across a wide range of projects.
All our professional artists have DBS checks and relevant experience working with the community.
Projects are assisted by peer support and volunteers – often previous workshop participants who have experienced an Art Branches intervention programme.
We also offer consultancy on the creation of new, innovative environmental heritage-inspired projects.
Primarily grant funded, we are always keen to work with partners to design and implement effective projects.
Longer-term Opportunities
An important part of our work is mentoring and supporting suitable participants into becoming long-term volunteers and project contributors. These opportunities provide valuable purpose, connection, the sense of belonging and transitions into work.
Our Team
Stephanie – founder & creative director
Lucy – arts advisor & associate artist
Tim – geo-conservationist associate
Thirza – associate artist
Neil – associate artist
Deborah – associate artist
Ian – director
Louis – director
Louise – volunteer
Sarah – support worker
Rosie – associate artist
Jamie – volunteer
Emmalene – volunteer artist
Ryan – associate artist
Sarah – museums associate
Jess – peer support
Chris – associate photographer
Adrian – graphics and IT associate
Django – therapy dog
Our Beginning
Art Branches was set up in 2015 by founder, Stephanie Hartick, with Sara Noonan and Deborah Pipe. The non-profit community interest company grew out of the success of Landscape Patterns; a project set up by Stephanie to connect people with the landscape heritage of the Brecks, for the Breaking New Ground Landscape Partnership.
Art Branches founding directors: Deborah Pipe, Stephanie Hartick and Sara Noonan
See more about our impact, our activities and our projects.
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