Moray carers in Art & Nature Connections wellbeing project
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A MORAY art and nature therapy project is one of the first in the UK to receive Ideas Fund cash, which will be used to help local carers.
Green Tree Arts Studio works therapeutically with groups and individuals across the whole of Moray to explore art making and the natural world.
Its recently launched Art & Nature Connections project is one of 42 to be supported by the Ideas Fund, a grants programme run by the British Science Association and funded by Wellcome which encourages trying out new ideas to address problems related to mental wellbeing.
Green Tree Arts is working with a group of local carers, alongside Dr Ania Zubala, a research fellow at the University of Highlands and Islands' division of rural health and wellbeing.
The project, which started last month, came about through the interest of carers who had previously attended art sessions at the studio.
Participants will adopt the role of co-researchers to explore a series of research questions relating to how art and nature can impact on mental wellbeing. From there, they will co-design and help run a nature-based arts group.
Speyside-based Nicola Kennell, Green Tree Arts Studio art therapist and Art & Nature Connections project lead, said: "Our project is working across the whole of Moray.
"Our carers who are co-researchers on the project are based in Forres, Kinloss, Burghead and Fochabers."
As the 16-month project develops, opportunities to connect with larger groups of the Moray community will evolve.
Nicola added: "We will be looking to connect with the whole area of Moray in terms of participation with the project.
"I am delighted that this project has evolved in a very organic and community-led way. I'm excited to be able to build on the learning and develop new ways of sharing this with others in a way that encourages creativity self-expression and also allows individuals to build positive connections with one another as part of the experience."
It is hoped to hold a community event, such as an exhibition, as the project draws to a close in spring 2023.
Dr Zubala added: "This unique project is a wonderful opportunity to explore how we can invite art making and nature in our local communities to enhance mental wellbeing.
"It also gives us a rare chance to connect research with creativity, which I believe is not only possible but essential when we try to understand multi-dimensional processes related to both arts and wellbeing."
