30 Years of The Art Studio

In 2016, an Arts and Mental Health Charity in Sunderland, celebrated 30 years of providing a safe creative place for the people of Sunderland to use art to alleviate the symptoms of mental health illnesses.

This short documentary was produced by the members of The Art Studio during their filmmaking workshops with local artist Jo Howell. Learning how to create on the job, the members have produced a beautiful tribute to the charity that they all use regularly.

Music created by member Danielle Zana, Opening poem by James (Catherine Shade) MacBeth, Camera work and dialogue by lots of members (named in credits). Editing and direction by Jo Howell.

All rights reserved, copyright The Art Studio Sunderland 2016

  • Jo Howell
    Director
  • Jo Howell
    Writer
  • The Art Studio Sunderland
    Producer
  • Art Studio Sunderland members
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    documentary, arts, mental health
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 27 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 12, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    0 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • N/A
Distribution Information
  • N/A
Director Biography - Jo Howell

Jo Howell is a freelance artist, filmmaker and photographer. She has worked with The Art Studio Sunderland for 3 years teaching workshops for people with mental health illnesses.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Directing the members of The Art Studio Sunderland in the creation of this short documentary was sometimes challenging, as many of those involved had never done any filmmaking before, but the determination and ingenuity that they have shown has made me very proud of what they have achieved. This is their story, told in their words, and using their cinematography.