Eskleigh Foundation is a not-for-profit incorporated body that operates supported accommodation, Eskleigh Home, for younger people with disabilities in Perth in northern Tasmania.
Launceston Art Society (LAS) is one of Australia’s oldest art societies, operating and exhibiting since 1891, with around 260 members who enjoy creating and presenting works of art.
Since 2008 a partnership between the two organisations has meant that Eskleigh Foundation has an enthusiastic art group to promote its historic Eskleigh Home and provide art therapy for the residents, while LAS finally has a base from where it can continue to promote art and artists in northern Tasmania.
For decades LAS had sought a home of its own, where artists could paint together, display their art to the public, develop new skills, inspire and encourage each other. Eskleigh Home is now a vibrant centre for art with LAS holding continuous exhibitions, weekly friendly painting days, life drawing classes and professional workshops.
In return, LAS members volunteer to ensure Eskleigh Home is open to the public seven days a week, promoting the work of northern artists, the historic home and Eskleigh’s support services.
LAS members also conduct weekly art therapy sessions that enable the Eskleigh Home’s residents to gain enjoyment, skills, a sense of achievement, self worth and greater involvement with the general public. These art sessions enable socially isolated people, most of whom will spend the rest of their lives at Eskleigh Home, to become involved with the northern arts community both socially and as participating artists.
Eskleigh Foundation has gained an enthusiastic, community-minded partner in the Launceston Art Society. Together they have made the historic Eskleigh Home an active centre for art and a place where residents can receive valuable art therapy.
Benefits for the health organisation
- Weekly art therapy sessions with residents in the comfort of their home
- Volunteers to welcome visitors to Eskleigh Home
- Media attention for art exhibitions, bringing greater awareness of Eskleigh Home
Benefits for the arts organisation
- A secure base for regular painting groups
- Significantly reduced cost of holding exhibitions
- Increased publicity and sales by having a gallery open to the public seven days a week
Outcomes for health
- The Eskleigh Home residents, living in close proximity to each other, appreciate art classes as a chance to express their individualism and their unique abilities. Improving art skills with the aim of displaying their work to the broader community motivates the participants to concentrate better and maintain their fine motor skills.
“There is a lot that I like about art. I like the ladies who come to help me with art, I like creating things, and it passes the time and helps my memory.”
Katrina Rhodes, Eskleigh Home resident