Two local community groups, Heads Up and The Lawrence Centre, will be taking part in this year's exhibition of contemporary art in Wells Cathedral.

The popular exhibition, will be taking part in this year's exhibition of contemporary art in Wells Cathedral, from 5 August until 2 September 2023.

The event, organised by Wells Art Contemporary (WAC), not only attracts increasing numbers of artists' entries from all corners of the globe, but it has become a highlight in the region's cultural calendar.

Recognising the significance of art and creativity for well-being, Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) is also working with local groups on projects to include in the exhibition. 'Studies show that both making and experiencing art has a part to play in improving the quality of life for individuals and communities,' says Paddy O'Hagan, WAC Chair. 'Over the years we have collaborated with charities and groups that use expression through art to help support wellbeing and mental health.'

This year WAC is working with Heads Up, the Wells-based charity which provides activity-based learning and development for adults who are affected by mental health issues; The Lawrence Centre, a day-care centre for the elderly in Wells, and Creativity Works in Radstock, whose informal community social group, Thursday Threads, focuses on mental wellbeing through textiles. All three groups have been holding regular sessions to create artwork for the exhibition, visited by June MacFarlane, WAC Community Projects Co-ordinator. 'I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and passion of everyone involved,' June says. 'I want the groups to feel that their work deserves to be showcased alongside the main contenders so we will be positioning each one to ensure they fit seamlessly within the exhibition.'

The Heads Up project is a collaboration between WAC, Somerset Arts Week and the Wells & Mendip Museum. Called 'Welcome to the Brown Moth Café', the piece takes its inspiration from the late-1700s Chinese porcelain hoard found in the Museum garden, tea drinking and the Brown Moth Café, a popular establishment which was on Wells High Street in the early 1900s. The project has been led by potter and co-founder of Heads Up, Sally Dempsey, and Jade Ogden from The Handloom Room. 'Having access to the arts and craft is hugely important,' says Jade. 'It provides the opportunity to channel your energy into something of which you can be proud. It is uplifting when you surprise yourself with abilities you didn't know you had.'

The Lawrence Centre installation will comprise individually made and decorated papier-mâché Greek Vases, made in conjunction with students from St Cuthbert's CofE Primary School. There will be an additional large urn for the public to decorate during the exhibition. 'The name of the project is Jars of Joy,' explains project curator Rev'd Gill Sakakini, a Pioneer Priest in the Arts in the diocese of Bath and Wells.' This is because those who have been involved in making them have poured themselves into the process and enjoyed the interaction.'

The Thursday Threads group is creating a rainbow Archway of Hope. The freestanding arch will display a group cloth, with contributions hand stitched by everyone to symbolise the ways members are supportive of each other.

For the fourth community project, WAC is also delighted to announce a collaboration with Outside In, the national charity that provides a platform for artists who encounter significant barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance, or isolation. The charity has agreed to loan The Sprinter, a work by artist James Lake, to be included. James lost his right leg to bone cancer at age 17 and for the last 20 years has been working as an artist predominately in the medium of cardboard. 'As an artist with a disability, I realised early in my career that I wanted to develop a process that was inclusive to myself and others,' explains James. 'I believe in art for all, art beyond race, gender, age, ability, and disability. Working with cardboard has always been about creating and supporting a level playing field for the arts.'

'All our community projects show how art can be a powerful emotional release,' says Paddy. 'Visitors to the WAC exhibition are in for a real treat.'