New community art exhibition goes on display to mark Social Work Week

Southampton City Council with the support of John Hansard Gallery and the University of Southampton are proud to launch ‘What Does Working Together Create?’, a collaborative art installation that represents the joy and benefit of creativity and inclusivity

The exhibition piece is a large mosaic created by people working in Adult Social care, community projects and day services and the people they work with and support.

Over 200 individual pieces of art have been created to come together and form a sun which represents life, hope, energy and positivity. The artwork aims to show what can be achieved when people join together.

Alongside the mosaic sun are clouds that share statements from the artists about how they felt taking part and making their art.

• 'I had help and design with my support worker. I glued the flowers onto my card. I really enjoyed making my flowers using different bits of card. I enjoyed my involvement with my design.'
• 'My flower picture design made me feel really happy and not think of anything else but the flowers in my garden.'
• 'Love space and planets and doing this picture relaxes and focusses me.'

The artwork was unveiled at a launch event at John Hansard Gallery hosted by The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Jacqui Rayment on Tuesday 21 March. The first week of the exhibition has been timed to coincide with Social Work Week 2023 (Monday 20 to Friday 24 March), which aims to bring people together to learn, connect, and influence change, and champions co-production between social workers, those with lived and learned experience, and sector partners.

During the week workshops are being held with City College, Southampton, Sembal and Woolston Day Services and Workmobility Ltd adding to and completing the remaining sections of the sun’s rays.

Lord Mayor Rayment said:
"This mosaic is a wonderful representation of what working together can achieve. The thought and care that has gone into each individual design really shines through. Thank you to everyone who has taken part in this project."

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Cabinet Member for Health, Adults and Leisure, said:
"We are seeing huge challenges in the health and social care sector, and it is important to remind ourselves of the fantastic work that is happening every day and the positive impact it is having on people’s lives. It is great that during Social Work Week we can shine a light on the strong and supportive relationships there are across health, care and the community in Southampton."

The exhibition will be on display at John Hansard Gallery from Tuesday March 21 to Saturday 3 June 2023. The project has been sponsored by Channel 3 Consulting.

Opening day refreshments have been kindly donated by the Co-operative: Southampton City Centre.

John Hansard Gallery is located at 142-144 Above Bar Street, Southampton.