Press release -
Stroke survivors’ artwork exhibited in Manchester to celebrate World Stroke Day
To mark World Stroke Day, art work created by stroke survivors from across Greater Manchester will be displayed at Manchester Central Library, from Monday 19 October –Thursday 19 November.
Stroke: Stories of the Self through Art and Science willfeatureunique art work created by stroke survivors in a series of workshops, organised by the Stroke Association and the University of Manchester. The sessions were led by photographer Caroline Edge, light artist Elisa Artesero and poet Janet Rogerson.
The workshops explored life after stroke through a series of interactive sessions over 18 weeks, which brought together 12 stroke survivors, clinicians, artists and researchers and students from the University of Manchester. Across a nine month period, the group used creative writing, visual arts and photography to share their experiences and depict the challenges they faced after stroke.
Ray Garner, 68, from Bramhall had a stroke in December 2008. He said: “Taking part in this journey has seen me shift from being ambitious and wanting to do more after my stroke, to understanding what makes me tick. Being involved in the project has helped me realise why I can no longer do everything I did before. The whole experience has been superb and if I could do it all over again, I would. I’m now writing poetry in my own time and have taken a real interest in photography.”
Joyce Booth, Life After Stroke Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke survivors commonly talk about a loss of identity as an emotional challenge after stroke. This exhibition explores this aspect of stroke and reveals the challenges faced by stroke survivors through their own creative artwork.
“The workshops have given stroke survivors the chance to express themselves, while also encouraging social interaction and helping to build confidence. We hope to see lots of people from across Manchester at Manchester Central Library when they can gain a greater understanding of this dimension of stroke.”
The exhibition will run from Monday 19 October – Thursday 19 November at Manchester Central Library and is free to enter. There is an additional interactive pop-up exhibition at Manchester Museum on Thursday 29 October to celebrate World Stroke Day.
For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
