About

ART vs REHAB is a series of Critical Tool Kits, Podcasts and Writing for people working in art and rehabilitation; including those working creatively in addiction, the criminal justice system, homelessness and mental health.

It is a catalyst for criticality and change in the field, based on the principles of open innovation and collaborative practice.

Who’s behind this initiative?

This initiative was conceived by artist and researcher, Hannah Hull, and is supported by Arts Council England, TCCE (The Culture Capital Exchange), ICCE (Institute of Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship, Goldsmiths) and C4CC (The Centre for Creative Collaboration).

What’s the thinking behind ART vs REHAB?

Hannah studied BA Fine Art and PGCert Innovation in Practice at Goldsmiths, University of London. Through her socially-engaged art practice she became aware of the need to innovate and strengthen the relationship between art and rehabilitation.

“A key obstacle to innovating this field is the diverse routes from which people enter it. Numerous professional qualifications lead into this field, and, as with much of the third sector, unqualified volunteers are essential to maintaining services. As there is no standard route to – or site of – rehabilitative art activity, it is difficult to create change via policy or training.

“This diversity has led to communication issues: logistical difficulties in disseminating to the entire field, and linguistic difficulties in producing information that is understood by all.

“Another key issue is that the use of evaluation to prove results and maintain funding – rather than as a vehicle to improve practice – has caused a lack of criticality. A culture of optimism within the field – where criticality is seen as the opposite of inclusion – has also contributed to this.

“As such, autonomous, cross-disciplinary discussion can be seen as key to innovating the rehabilitative arts. The Critical Tool Kits provide a platform for critical thinking that will generate the shared language and tools that can be understood and applied by all.”

Contact…

Hannah Hull

Email: hannahchristinehull@gmail.com

Website: www.hannahhull.co.uk