This exhibition celebrates the creativity and community of our Tea, Cake & Art group – a long-term creative health programme supporting older people experiencing isolation and loneliness.
The title The Creative Quarter refers both to this vibrant group of individuals and the wider social context: around a quarter of the UK population is now aged 65 or over. As we live longer, it’s vital we find new ways to stay connected, creative, and visible in our communities.
The exhibition features self-portraits by group members, made in response to our exploration of artist Chantal Joffe’s approach to portraiture, alongside a second artwork of their choice, created during workshops and following gallery visits across the year. These include textile responses to the work of Celia Pym with visiting artist Olivia Beckwith, and experimental pieces inspired by surrealist techniques of Ithell Colquhoun, following a group visit to Tate St Ives.
Each participant has shared reflections on their chosen works, the techniques and materials used, and what being part of Tea, Cake & Art means to them. These texts are displayed alongside the artworks.
This exhibition is part of our annual Crowdfunder, helping raise £3,000 towards the £15,000 it takes each year to keep the programme free and open to over-65s living with isolation.
All artworks are for sale, with profits going directly to support the project. Selected works are for sale, as rewards via the Crowfunder, with profits going directly to support the project. The Crowdfunder runs throughout the exhibition – and we’d be so grateful for your support.
Every donation – big or small – makes a real difference.
Watch our short film, where the group members use tree words to descrbe what Tea, Cake, & Art means to them.
