Evolving Canvases was founded from a simple idea that creativity can open conversations that are often difficult to have.

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The organisation began with Walshy curating a three-day exhibition to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.

The exhibition brought together twelve artists responding to their own experiences of mental health.

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It created a space where people felt able to engage openly with subjects that are often hidden or stigmatised. One visitor described it as the first time she had felt able to speak about her mental health in public, and the first time she had felt that it was “okay not to be okay.”

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That moment became a turning point and directly shaped the direction of the organisation.

 

Since then, we have developed into a creative wellbeing organisation delivering participatory workshops, collaborative projects, and community-based programmes across visual art, photography, and mixed media. The focus is on process, participation, and inclusion, using therapeutic art practice to support reflection, expression, and connection.

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Our approach is lived experience-led and trauma-informed. We recognise that many of the individuals we work with have experienced mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, or social isolation.

Workshops are designed to be accessible, structured, and non-judgemental, allowing participants to engage at their own pace within a safe environment.

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Evolving Canvases operates as a Community Interest Company (CIC) with a clear safeguarding and governance structure.

Our leadership combines lived experience with professional expertise, including occupational therapy-informed practice, ensuring that all delivery is both authentic and aligned with wellbeing principles.

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We work in partnership with charities, recovery services, and community organisations to deliver creative programmes that prioritise dignity, consent, and accessibility. Our role is to complement existing support services by providing meaningful, creative engagement that supports wellbeing and recovery.

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Evolving Canvases exists to ensure that creativity is not a luxury, but a meaningful and accessible resource for individuals navigating mental health challenges, recovery, and social isolation.