About Us
Our Story
Healing and Empowerment Through Creative Endeavour
Established in 2004, Artbeat Studio is the first of its kind in Manitoba and stems from one family’s personal experience with mental illness. Nigel Bart, founder and longtime studio facilitator of Artbeat Studio (now retired), was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 19 and has since used various forms of art to help with recovery from the illness and the stigma that surrounds it. His family wished to bring that access to the arts and the related mental health benefits to others, and so founded this organization.
Projects of Artbeat Studio
-
Artbeat Studio Artist-in-Residence Core Program (also called Artist Residency)
-
Studio Central, Urban Arts Centre (Community Drop-in and Programming)
-
Upbeat Artworks, Gallery Boutique (Social Enterprise)
Artbeat Studio Inc. is a not-for-profit registered charity. We are committed to decreasing stigma and discrimination that coincides with mental illness and poverty through positive action, mental health education and advocacy.
Services are provided free of charge to participants. The intended beneficiaries include each participant artist, their caregivers, the local inner-city community, and society as a whole.
Art played a big role in my recovery, it helped me bolster my self-esteem,
sharpen my creative process and gave me a voice to express myself.
Nigel Bart, Founder
Mission:
To provide studio space and connections that promote mental health through creative expression.
Vision:
To sustain an ever-growing and diverse Artbeat community.
Guiding Principles
- Studio space and mentorship is offered free of charge
- We respect and value each individual person
- We focus on the process of art-making and personal development
We are committed to:
-
a holistic approach to mental, economic, physical, social and emotional health
-
supportive, peaceful, non-censoring environment
-
supporting alumni in personal growth and creative endeavours
-
promoting healthy communication and interpersonal relationships
-
enriching support system for each individual
Your support will have a direct and positive impact on the Artbeat community.
If you share our values, we invite you to consider making a donation. To learn more about how you can donate, please visit our donation page. Thank you for your generosity.