Artlift Artist Handbook & Training

Artflift Artist Handbook and Training

Artlift is a Gloucestershire-based creative health charity co-producing Arts on Prescription programmes with and for people living with mental health challenges, long-term chronic pain, or living with or moving on from cancer.

I was asked to work with the Artlift team to develop a structured programme of training and support to enable Artlift Artists to deliver Arts on Prescription programmes confidently, safely and effectively.

Informed by focus groups with Artlift artists and the Artlift Coordinator, the resulting training and handbook define the role of the Artlift Artist Facilitator. The role definition is supported by a co-produced list of Core Competencies and an Artist Facilitator Code of Practice - a set of values and behaviours that underpin Artlift’s approach to establishing an inclusive culture and safe, therapeutic practice.

Modules on Safe and Ethical Practice, Understanding Participant Needs and Managing Boundaries support safe and effective delivery. A section on Artist Support outlines how Artlift will support artists to deliver what can be emotionally and mentally demanding work through a flexible and layered approach. This approach includes Reflective Practice, Peer Support, Line Management, Clinical Supervision.

Image Credit: Artlift

Client: Artlift

Date: September 2021

What they said

“Artlift is now able to confidently articulate ‘what works’ about what we do. We’re also clearer regarding core competencies required of our Artist Facilitators and how best to support each other, which continues to inform our recruitment and management approaches.”

— Cath Wilkins, Executive Director, Artlift
“The Artist Facilitator Handbook and Training and Induction framework remain invaluable tools both supporting our operations internally and also impacting on the sector through sharing with local Creative Health partners.”

— Cath Wilkins, Executive Director, Artlift
“Jane’s wealth of experience in, and understanding of, the Creative Health sector informed a robust and developmental experience for the Artlift team. She led us through a methodical process, which was respectful of and drew effectively on the layers of experience within our organisation.”

— Cath Wilkins, Executive Director, Artlift

Artflift Artist Handbook and Training

“Artlift is now able to confidently articulate ‘what works’ about what we do. We’re also clearer regarding core competencies required of our Artist Facilitators and how best to support each other, which continues to inform our recruitment and management approaches.”

“The Artist Facilitator Handbook and Training and Induction framework remain invaluable tools both supporting our operations internally and also impacting on the sector through sharing with local Creative Health partners.”

“Jane’s wealth of experience in, and understanding of, the Creative Health sector informed a robust and developmental experience for the Artlift team. She led us through a methodical process, which was respectful of and drew effectively on the layers of experience within our organisation.”

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