An interactive, immersive and participatory art exhibition opens on Saturday in an empty shop at The Galleries shopping centre in Bristol. 

Normally in an art gallery there are signs saying ‘do not touch the artworks’. Here, however, you’re invited not only to touch but to take part. Climb into Alyson Minkley’s suspended, cocoon-like installation and add some stitching to its canvas surfaces; become a living sculpture by wearing Lou Baker’s bright, quirky knitted sculptures; or wonder as you wander around Juliet Duckworth’s installation with lights and sound and help weave her human-sized nest. You can contribute even more of your own creativity by adding to the Social Knitwork installation –  knit, knot, plait, crochet, or even make a pompom!

‘Research shows that creativity is good for us and that it can improve mental health and wellbeing. We often find that working together side by side enables participants to talk freely about things on their minds. We hope that our exhibition will be an enjoyable and inspiring experience for all our visitors and that it will stimulate thought and conversation.’

Come and join Juliet Duckworth, Alyson Minkley and Lou Baker at Social Scaffolding: Thursdays to Sundays, 11am to 4pm, from 15th until 30th July. If you would like to book as a group or know of an education or community group who would benefit from a free session engaging with arts activities, then please email to discuss options.

Social Scaffolding is able to tour and offer such opportunities for free thanks to being supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. 

Follow @social.scaffolding.artists on Instagram for regular updates, or check out our website www.socialscaffolding.art for more images or to join our mailing list. Any queries please email socialscaffoldingartcollective@gmail.com.