We are excited to share that our Art Journal Project is now open for referrals to take part in our 2025/26 programme!
Part of the DG Creative Wellbeing project, the Art Journal Project is a community-based program supporting adults (18+) facing barriers. A key initiative of OutPost Arts, it fosters creative expression, mindfulness, and self-management while providing a safe, welcoming space for exploration and growth. The project enhances wellbeing, boosts confidence and nurtures a supportive creative community.
Guided by Liz McQueen, an established artist based in D&G, alongside a team of skilled Artist Tutors and Peer Mentors who are graduates of Art Journal Project, 30 adults take part in this 16-week programme of arts activities, concluding in a large-scale public exhibition, sharing the wellbeing journeys of all our participants.
What’s involved?
Art Journal Project is a FREE programme, delivered via fortnightly online sessions, alongside x 2 in-person workshops and x 2 group trips.
The creative programme is sensitively designed to cater to all levels of experience – exploring a range of artforms including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed-media and ceramics. All materials are provided and barriers are taken into account e.g. disability, income, illness.
Art Journal Project promotes positive mental health and enhances wellbeing through positive distraction, the development of self-care tools, creative learning, and access to social opportunities. The project provides a supportive and safe space for creative discovery and exploration. The programme is designed to support people with all levels of creative skills – you do not need any art experience to participate.
Graduate opportunities include – sharing artwork in a final group exhibition, taking part in a Public Art Project and creating and selling work in an art market event.
A person-centred counsellor is embedded in the programme. This supports the emotional safety of the participants and team. You will have access to a free 1-2-1 counselling session as part of the project (this is entirely voluntary).
What others say
“I look differently at art now and take an interest in things other than traditional type paintings. Colour mixing has made me look at nature in a different way, picking out different shades and hues.”
“I have been going through an incredibly difficult life change and the art journal has felt like a lifesaver. I hope very much to build on the skills and understanding I have acquired to keep me going.”
“I have formed some lovely new relationships and am excited to develop them further. We have such a lot in common and have an understanding of what each other are going through.”
Graduate Programme
Art Journal Project and Creative Toolbox Graduates have access to a bespoke programme that supports further creative development across two separate projects.
With the key themes of ‘Confidence Building’, ‘Raising Ambitions’ and ‘New Horizons’, the Graduate Programme supports participants to expand their practise, connect art and place and explore creative enterprise.
Through Autumn & Winter each year, participants have access to collective and individual guidance, coaching and mentoring to identify long-term goals and form sustainable wellbeing strategies – nurturing both their personal and professional development.
Find out more click here.
Find out more
If you would like to take part in Art Journal Project, please fill out the Referral Form below.
If you would like to refer another adult (if you support an adult that you feel would benefit and have their permission to refer) or would like further information, please contact Liz McQueen by emailing liz@outpostarts.co.uk
Registration is open until mid April.
For more information on the Art Journal Project, click here.
Leave a Reply