Exhibition: 30 August – 9 September | 11am – 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday
Preview: Thursday 29 August, 6-8pm – includes music, poetry and performance!

A diverse collection of works by Chilli Studios members.

about CHILLI STUDIOS:

“Realising my ‘problems’ aren’t unique to me but shared by so many and understood” [studio member]

Chilli Studios, formerly known as Newcastle and Gateshead Art Studio (NAGAS), provides a number of creative services and opportunities for people who are experiencing mental health conditions or other factors that may lead to social exclusion. The Chilli Studios team of experienced professionals and volunteers aim to engage people creatively to promote inclusion and interaction, develop skills, build resilience and ultimately improve wellbeing. They facilitate a programme of creative workshops for members to take part in, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, animation, creative writing, music and more. 

Chilli Studios is an innovative project, always looking at developing service supporting people to achieve their goals. We are a charitable organisation providing a user-led and bespoke art and music studio service. We encourage members to try new things, form friendships and improve skills. Many of our members have developed lasting pathways to recovery and career opportunities in the creative and wider sectors.

“The Artroom is invaluable to me. It is my primary social interaction and the only place I can express myself creatively doing artwork and sculpture. Its so good to have somewhere I can be myself and people don’t judge me for my mental health. It is a warm community type place.” [Camille studio member] 

“If it was not for the studio and support from staff and members, I would not be where I am today. I would not have tried different things, I feel in last 6 months I have been more productive than I have in years but in so many different ways.” [Marie studio member] 

“I think Chill Studios is an incredibly important resource for people….coming to terms with the real deficit imposed on them by their mental health problems. Its importance is even greater today as the health budget is shrinking and …in my opinion it provides a unique range of support….and brings in an important but often overlooked part in recovery” [Dr Sankalpa Basu (Consultant Psychiatrist, NTW NHS Foundation Trust)]