Artist opportunity: Bobby Baker’s diaries are the focus of new Exploring Collections course

Outside In is looking to meet artists who can take part in our brand new Exploring Collections course.

A collection of diary drawings produced by artist Bobby Baker during her time as a patient at a day centre in 1997 are the focus of a new Exploring Collections course by Outside In in partnership with Daily Life Ltd.

Exploring Collections aims to equip participants with skills in research and interpretation. As part of the course, participants are encouraged to find a theme or work from the collection that they would like to focus on, they are then encouraged to produce creative responses to this research. The course is part of Outside In’s Step Up training and professional development programme which focuses on supporting participants to gain new skills in order to increase opportunities.

About the collection:

The drawings document eleven years of ups and downs in Bobby Baker’s mental and physical health. They were created daily, in pencil and watercolour, as a means of processing and recording her experiences of the mental health system – including crisis houses, acute psychiatric wards and the variety of treatments that she was undertaking. Originally private, they gradually became a way for her to communicate complex thoughts and emotions to her family, friends, and professionals. (Please see the brief below for more information).

About the course:

The course will be delivered by an experienced Step Up Course Tutor with involvement from Bobby Baker, and will be a mixture of online sessions via Zoom and sessions in person at London locations (to include Bobby Baker’s studio).  

Participants must be able to commit to attending the course on the following Monday sessions, 10.30am to 3pm: 23 and 30 May, 6, 13, 20 and 27 June, 4, 11, 18 and 25 July.

Places on the course are free and Outside In are able to cover reasonable travel expenses.

How to apply:

Submissions are made by filling out a short application form, which Outside In is happy to provide in a range of formats. Please highlight any access requirements.

More information can be found in the brief below. If you have any questions about this course please contact Outside In’s Training Programme Manager, Kate Davey, on 07903 028391 or email kate.davey@outsidein.org.uk. 

Deadline for applications: 9am, Wednesday 20 April 2022

Interviews: Monday 25 or Friday 29 April 2022 (please let us know your availability on these dates in your application)

More information can be found here: https://outsidein.org.uk/news/bobby-bakers-diaries-are-the-focus-of-new-exploring-collections-course/