Transforming Mental Health: Tim A. Shaw's Creative Vision for Change

Ceri interviews artist Tim A. Shaw, co-founder of the Hospital Rooms charity that focuses on arts and mental health. During the interview, Tim talks about his journey as an artist and how his work has transformed inpatient mental health units. He shares the challenges and rewards of collaborating with artists in these settings, emphasising the importance of selecting those who can see the potential in these spaces. Tim also reflects on the emotional and psychological impacts of working in such contexts and the support provided to artists. He shares insights into the motivation behind starting Hospital Rooms and the process of convincing hospitals to collaborate. Tim's passion for art and mental health shines through as he discusses the power of creativity to bring hope and change to individuals in these challenging environments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hospital Rooms is an arts and mental health charity that commissions artists to transform inpatient mental health units. They also run workshops and a digital art school. The selection of artists for projects is based on their ability to create stimulating and thought-provoking work, as well as their willingness to problem-solve and adapt to the unique challenges of working in mental health settings. Working in mental health settings can be emotionally and psychologically challenging for artists. Hospital Rooms provides support and creates a safe environment for artists to navigate these challenges. The organisation uses creative methods for gathering feedback and evaluation, such as visual matrix workshops and non-traditional feedback forms, to ensure a more engaging and meaningful process. Tim A. Shaw, the artist and co-founder of Hospital Rooms, has transitioned from creating large-scale installations to smaller, more intimate paintings. His work often explores themes of mental health and parenthood BEST MOMENTS "We commission extraordinary artists to transform inpatient mental health units around the country." "We're very present on a working ward for a number of months… our team are really amazing at making the artists feel safe while also making their best work." "I think most of us have… been sectioned… so going into an inpatient ward that might be very similar to the one that they were in, or they visited someone in, can be very challenging and quite triggering." "I think the work we do in Hospital Rooms, we feel like we have a responsibility for some of that work to be quite transformative, to really change the way you think and feel when you're in that space." "You know, everyone can experience it and we should all have the right to experience it. And, you know, the service users we work with, there's so many creative ways of thinking." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand