'Beauty in Struggle’. Working Artist Studios. 2021.

The ‘Arts Participation Bursary Award’ from the Arts Council focuses on providing artists with the time and resources they need to think, research, reflect, and deeply engage with their artistic practice. Through the support of this award Sarah was able to undertake a period of in-depth reflection on her work within an Arts & Health context.

She undertook significant time in the studio engaging in practical experimentation and the development of new solo work. Having an artist residency as part of this work, in the creative space of the ‘Working Artist Studios’ supported a significant and new direction in Sarah’s work. This allowed for the creation of a series of artwork responding to conversations with healthcare staff and peers working in Arts & Health.

This period of research included a reflection on working with participants experiencing different levels of cognitive function. Consultations with Mentor Kirsty Stansfield led to the development in understanding of sensory engagements. https://www.tracingautonomy.net/

Interviews with healthcare staff explored a participant’s sensory experience in creative engagement. While time in the studio with collaborators: composers/musicians Fiona Kelleher & Justin Grounds supported Sarah’s understanding and learning of the complexities of sound.

This award and residency allowed Sarah to consider the development of innovative work in a sustainable and meaningful way for her participatory practice, while also looking at how her participatory process and solo work are intertwined.