There are an estimated 13.6 million people in the UK who are unpaid carers, yet they often feel isolated and their caring role is hidden. The ANGELS ALL AROUND project puts unpaid carers centre stage and celebrates them for the vital work they do every day for friends and family. It highlights how amazing carers are by creating special portraits of these wonderful selfless and benevolent humans.
Twenty four “icons” are being produced, to signify the 24/7 role of a carer. Six icons made by artist Slavka Jovanović and another eighteen by carers themselves, during workshops running in the autumn. All the icons will be displayed online, as well as in an exhibition in Worthing in November.
About the Project
Part 1: 6 artist-made icons
Back in August, working in partnership with Carers Support West Sussex, Carers were asked to nominate themselves to take part and become the subject of a 3-D boxed icon made by Slavka, using collaged recycled materials. Of the 11 carers who showed interest, 6 have agreed to come on board. They have provided photos/background information and Slavka is currently focusing on making these icons.
Part 2: 18 carer made icons
There will be three 2 hour Zoom workshops with carers, in October/November. This creative wellbeing aspect of the project gives participants the opportunity to celebrate themselves and grow their own voices through creative participation. Each participant receives an icon box/frame delivered to their door, ahead of the workshop, filled with materials and equipment. All they need to do is provide a photo of themselves which forms the centrepiece of their own installation.
Part 3: exhibition
The icons will be displayed in a digital gallery on the artist’s website with links from the Carers Support West Sussex website. There will also be an exhibition in Worthing Town Centre (in a shop or café window) facing out to the street. The intention is to make the exhibition as public as possible and accessible to all.
There will be a special event on 25th November, which is National Carer’s Rights Day. As well as this project shining a light on the hidden role of unpaid carers in our community, it is also an opportunity to highlight to carers what rights they have. Through partnering with Carers Support West Sussex we will provide information on support groups/organisations and funding for carers.
About the Team
Slavka Jovanović – Artist, Workshop Leader and Producer
Slavka has been working as a visual artist since 2002 and had a number of exhibitions before she became a single parent to two children, and her carer responsibilities for a disabled child took over. She now juggles her caring role with a professional career as a producer/arts educationalist, and also works as an artist in between.
Slavka loves working with photos, maps, paper, found images and printed fabric (which she creates herself). Her influences are drawn from her Serbian heritage as well as nature, home and the community we live in. Her style leans towards the folk art tradition, and much of her artwork uses collage/decoupage techniques. ANGELS ALL AROUND is part of Angels and Demons, an ongoing theme that highlights those people who have triumphed over adversity.
Becky Simmons – Workshop Assistant and Project Co-ordinator
Becky is a performer/voice over artist, director and workshop leader. As a performer she has toured extensively in the UK and abroad. Her workshop skills include craft, circus and theatre arts. She has initiated and produced large-scale community projects encouraging participation in music, circus and craft workshops, as well as presenting walkabouts and street theatre.
Both Slavka and Becky are full time carers, so ANGELS ALL AROUND is close to their hearts.
Key Dates
FREE CRAFT WORKSHOPS FOR CARERS
Are you an unpaid carer based in Sussex? Do you want to get involved in a crafty art activity to make your own portrait by using a photograph of yourself and simple collage techniques?
Saturday 6th November // 14.00 – 16.00
Monday 8th November // 10.30 – 12.30
Tuesday 9th November // 19.00 – 21.00
You only need to attend 1 of these sessions and they take place on ZOOM. All the materials and equipment you need will be provided. You can either collect a craft pack from us in Worthing or we can deliver one to your door (if this is inconvenient).
No previous art experience is necessary and you will be guided through the process.
To register your interest please contact: slavka.j@googlemail.com by 4th November. Please indicate your preferred session time and your second choice. There are only a total of 18 places available and they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Exhibition
25 November 2021 – 9 January 2022
HISBE, 38 Portland Road, Worthing, BN11 1QN
14 December 2021 – 3 January 2022
Colonnade House, 47 Warwick Street, Worthing BN11 3DH
Online – www.slavkajovanovic.com
Special Event
Thursday 25 November – National Carers Rights Day
Angels All Around Launch – Contact Becky Simmons to RSVP. beckysimmons2002@yahoo.co.uk
Contact
Slavka Jovanović
Slavka.j@googlemail.com
Insta: @slavka.j
Becky Simmons
beckysimmons2002@yahoo.co.uk
