Talent breaks out at Weave, Redfern

The centre offers free studio space, materials to artists, art classes, training, and opportunities to exhibit and sell work.

Run by Weave, formerly South Sydney Youth Services, the not-for-profit centre is a place for community members, who are socially excluded due to mental health issues or drug and alcohol abuse problems, to express themselves creatively and connect with others.

Weave director Shane Brown said the centre gave opportunities for people to earn money and have a reasonable standard of living.

“A lot of the artists are on a benefit and trying to survive on a benefit is almost impossible,” he said.

“One of the artists the other day sold a painting for $500, which will make a big difference to her.” Mr Brown said there were also opportunities for cultural expression for the local Aboriginal community. .

And he said people with mental health issues could use the centre to be with others and work in an environment where they could create art without stigma.

Breakout will show more than 100 works from about 40 artists, including the provocative Hills Hoist project, which features donated hospital gowns metamorphosed into objects of social comment, and a thought-provoking installation which uses the old seclusion door from the old Missenden mental health unit at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown.

For more information, visit weaveartscentre.org.au.

Source: http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/news/story/talent-breaks-out-at-weave-redfern/