The artistic achievements of adults with learning disabilities, young people in conflict with the law, isolated elderly and women who have suffered domestic abuse have been celebrated at an art exhibition hosted by Diagrama Foundation during Learning Disability week.

More than 50 artworks were on display at the INSIDE OUT exhibition, held at the Rochester Cathedral Crypt cafe and at The Halpern Conservancy Board Building, from June 13 to 20.

INSIDE OUT marks the culmination of a two-year Erasmus+ funded multi-national project called GALA (Gentle Art, Living Art), which aims to empower vulnerable people through art. Other partners in the project include: Groep Ubuntu, Kortrijk,  Belgium, working with adults with learning disabilities; Association ProVita, Valenii de Munte, Romania, working with women who have been victims of domestic violence; Diagrama Foundation, Spain, working with young people in conflict with the law; L’Art et La Maniere, St Clementin, France, supporting members of the isolated elderly community.

Led by the Diagrama Foundation, the project offered vulnerable participants the opportunity to experience international travel – meeting in each host country to experience new cultural activities and develop artistic techniques. It also provided the opportunity for care workers and volunteers to receive training in Gentle Learning techniques developed by Groep Ubuntu in Belgium – a charitable organisation renowned for excellent professional practice in communicating, motivating and empowering disadvantaged people.

A launch reception was held at the Crypt Cafe on July 17 where invited guests of Diagrama and the project partners were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Medway, Councillor Habib Tejan and Mrs Bridget Tejan and the Mayoress of Dartford, Mrs Stephanie Perfitt who met with artists who contributed to the exhibition.

Diagrama CEO David McGuire said: “Just to see all the residents here looking at all their own art pieces, and being so happy that they are on display, makes it all worth it. At our centres in Spain we train both our staff and residents and it has been a great opportunity to be able to do that across the whole of Europe, to show everyone that there are no limitations to what can be achieved when you have the right support.”

Artworks from the event are available to purchase and the catalogues can be downloaded here

Please email mwalby@diagrama.org for further details - all contributions will help support vulnerable people.