Homeless and marginalised islanders turn struggles into art

Tuesday, 25 June 2024 10:00

Islanders struggling with a variety of issues in their lives have expressed themselves through art, which is now on display.

Grace Trust is charity that supports people in Jersey battling various issues in their lives including homelessness and marginalisation.

It has been running its 'Art in the Park' project for 16 years - which invites service users to take a few hours every week to learn a new artistic skill outdoors and express themselves.

The pieces created in these community spaces are being put on display for other islanders to view.

The exhibition is running at JARO gallery in St Helier, and will be open until Saturday 29 June.

Sue, who curated the exhibition alongside Vini Jones, in front of some of its artwork

Vini Jones, Grace Trust's General Manager, says Art in the Park has really made a difference in Jersey's community:

"It's very much a project, aimed as ever with Grace Trust, to give a place of belonging to people.

"In time we find that the art is able to bring things out of them [the service users] that they didn't know they had."

JARO art gallery

Vini hopes islanders will come along to the exhibition:

"It's just a brilliant exhibition of hope, of overcoming, and of community and belonging for people that struggle with some things in life."

More from Jersey News

Plans to modernise Jersey's 'extremely outdated' cremation rules

Jersey's rules on cremation are being modernised for the first time since the 1960s.
Driver 'seriously injured' in Grouville crash

A driver has been admitted to hospital with serious injuries after a crash in Jersey.
Jury finds Shay John Bester guilty of offences including rape

Shay John Bester has been found guilty, after going on trial for offences including six counts of rape against three young, vulnerable females.
African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.
Island Energy to return to Royal Court over Mont Pinel gas explosion

Island Energy is set to return to the Royal Court to enter pleas after being charged by the Health and Safety Inspectorate over a gas explosion at Mont Pinel.
Jersey to introduce legal limit for PFAS in drinking water

A legal limit for PFAS in Jersey's drinking water will be introduced for the first time.
Jersey Electricity drops St Martin solar farm idea

Jersey Electricity has dropped plans for a solar farm on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
PPC won't move to block Deputy's return to States Assembly

The committee that oversees States Members' conduct says it won't being a proposition to further suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf following his conviction for immigration offences.