2024-2025
Community mural and public art project for Outpost Arts
Lead Artist
Dumfries

A collaborative project commissioned by Outpost Arts and working with NHS D&G’s Focus Wellness and Recovery Hub in Lochside, Dumfries. A series of workshops culminated in the design and creation of a collection of artworks for the Focus Hub space was part of Outpost Art’s DG Creative Wellbeing project, working alongside graduate participants from Outpost Art’s Art Journal Project (adults) and Creative Toolbox (teenagers), alongside participant and staff groups from the Focus Hub.

The Focus Hub is part of the NHS Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service, and is for people aged 18 years and over who are looking for support and advice on ways in which to deal with their drug and alcohol use and how to reduce its effects on their health and wellbeing. The Focus Hub staff run a variety of weekly events and groups, with no appointment required – you can just stop in for a cup of tea and a chat.

Final artwork elements included interior and exterior mural designs, sgraffito ceramic tile wall artwork, memorial tree and exterior painted bench and planters. The works were designed to be responsive and sensitive to the needs of the participants and space users, adapting through conversations and creative exploration.

Thanks to Lucy and and all at Outpost who are ever supportive to work alongside, Cate and her wonderful team for providing such a welcoming space for all, to the commissioned artists, Chris Taylor, Alice Griffin and Louise Todd, and all the enthusiastic participants and creative folk who took part in workshops and helped bring the artworks to life. The project was delivered in partnership with NHS Dumfries & Galloway with support from NHS D&G Charity, Robertson Trust, The Holywood Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland.

Image credits: Kirstin McEwan.