A group of Tower Hamlets carers took time out from looking after family and friends to present a documentary and exhibition inspired by the history of the East End at Broadgate last week.
The film, mixed-media art and photography exhibition at global law firm Reed Smith’s offices was a celebration of a six-month long multi-arts programme for adult carers run by arts charity Create.
Creative:release aims to give adult carers who attend The Carers Centre in Tower Hamlets the opportunity to explore their creativity and find respite from the pressures of caring during weekly workshops delivered by Create’s professional artists.
Since April the group has made a documentary about the history of immigration in east London with filmmaker Rohan Mehra and created mixed-media paintings, inspired by maps and images of their community, with artist Maru Rojas.
Throughout September and October, the carers have been working with Create’s professional photographer Camilla Greenwell to explore themes of memory and storytelling. The workshops have included a visit to the nearby Whitechapel Gallery and outdoor photography sessions that have encouraged the carers to see their local area in a different light.
Create’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Nicky Goulder, said: “The pressures of caring can prove detrimental to an individual’s health and wellbeing and it’s therefore vital that systems are there to provide carers with support.
“We’re delighted that, thanks to funding from Reed Smith, we’re able to work with The Carers Centre in Tower Hamlets to bring creativity and enjoyment to adult carers in the borough.”
Sandra, a carer who took part in creative:release, said: “Having the chance to do something creative gives you an incentive.
“Because I’m a carer for my father-in- law, I’ve really, really enjoyed doing something for me for a change. It’s made me feel a lot better.”
