History of Art Liberating Lives

Art Liberating Lives is a celebration of art as a form of therapy, expression and liberation.  

Launched in 2004, Art Liberating Lives is a unique annual art campaign designed to reflect the importance of art as a therapy in Sue Ryder Care's 14 care centres across the UK.

Using the theme of 'liberation', Sue Ryder Care residents and supporters are asked to create a piece of art that they feel is worthy of a top London Gallery.

Artworks need to be produced during the summer. Selected supporter artworks will be shown in a special exhibition at London's prestigious Mall Galleries alongside work produced by Sue Ryder Care residents at the end of the year.

In 2007 nearly 400 artists, from the novice to the professional, donated their work to Sue Ryder Care's Art Liberating Lives campaign.

Jo Rigby, who graduated in Fine Arts at Bolton University in 2006, submitted a piece of art that represents the expression of her journey from confinement to freedom after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002.

Jo said: “When I found out about Sue Ryder Care’s ‘Art Liberating Lives’ initiative, I knew I had to be involved. Art is helping me find the energy to focus and continue creating, fighting against the progressive degeneration of my condition so that I can enjoy life to the full”.

Rossendale artist Robert Ashley also picked up his paintbrush in aid of Sue Ryder Care.

Robert said: “As soon as I knew about this initiative I felt a strong connection to the project. Art Liberating Lives wants to highlight the importance of art therapy in the care of people living with condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, acquired brain injury or cancer. Art can be an important tool for many people living with a complex condition to express their inner feelings or to be able to free their mind from negative thoughts. I think it’s fantastic that Sue Ryder Care provides art therapy at its care centres”.