Charity launches exhibition displaying artist talents of people who have been homeless

By Jill Dando News

Homelessness charity Crisis has launched a new exhibition showcasing the artistic talents of people who have experienced homelessness in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

The charity’s South Wales Skylight, based in Swansea, offers people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness a range of support including one to one advice and guidance, help with finding and maintaining a home and learning and employment opportunities.

The Skylight also runs arts and crafts courses where members can enjoy a creative outlet.

For many who are sofa surfing or staying in temporary accommodation, creating art can also be a way to bring a sense of home to unsuitable living conditions and support health and wellbeing.

This new exhibition, created by people facing homelessness, challenges visitors to carefully consider what makes a house a home, while also showcasing a range of artistic skills.

The installation displays the inside of a home, which alongside other household items, proudly displays wallpaper carefully curated from street rubbings taken from across Swansea, lighting created from recycled bottles and a rug made from recycled materials.

Esther Ley, Arts Co-Ordinator at Crisis Skylight South Wales, said: “I’m so proud to be launching this exhibition, and of all the wonderfully talented artists who worked so hard to create this incredible space.

“In addition to providing practical help and support, I’m so pleased that our Skylight can also offer art classes, which often provide a creative and therapeutic outlet from the traumatic situations our members are facing.

“Not having a place to call home can feel incredibly displacing. For many of our members, creating beautiful pieces like those on display helps them to feel a bit more at home in the often temporary and stark conditions they are having to stay in.

“This exhibition highlights the incredible artistic talent among our members and provokes people to think differently about homelessness. A house is more than a roof over your head, it is a place to call home and we invite the viewer to consider what home means to them.”

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