Splash Art Studio was a community-based arts program run by Neami from 1995-2015. The program supported people experiencing complex and enduring mental health challenges to develop an arts practice with guidance from of a team of community artists.
Through daily arts studio sessions, participants learned new skills and develop a sense of confidence and connection through creative expression.
Following the closure of Splash, a large collection of artworks went into storage for almost a decade. They’ve now been ‘unearthed’ by the Raiders of the Lost Art group, who carry forward the Splash ethos through a new generation of artists.
Facilitator Jeremy Hawkes said, “Raiders of the Lost Art looks forward by acknowledging the past by reframing narratives of mental health and the relationship to art and culture.
“It rescinds the idea that this art only has value as therapy and instead recognises that the Splash collection is unique, of incredible value not just as an historic document, but as a living text – a collection that the Raiders group feel a collective responsibility to preserve and celebrate.”
Contributing artist Marnie Woods, who has been involved in both Splash and the Raiders of the Lost Art programs, reflected on the value of the groups. “There tends to be limited opportunities for disabled artists, so I think it’s a really positive step and it’s also shining a light on all the years that people have been making art in that particular space and giving them a tribute,” she said.
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Check out the exhibition
Melbourne locals are welcome to visit the Unearthed collection at Schoolhouse Studios until 7 July 2025.
Pearl in the Rough, a solo show by consumer artist Julie White will follow, from 10-13 July 2025.
Find out more about the Unearthed exhibition: Unearthed: Raiders of the Lost Art Opening Reception — Schoolhouse Studios