Art by Post
Empowering isolated individuals through art during the Covid-19 pandemic
Art by Post was the Southbank Centre’s flagship lockdown project.
Through it, we delivered free creative activity booklets by mail to people across the UK who were at risk of social isolation, loneliness and digital exclusion during the pandemic.
40,000activity booklets distributed
600 artworks
created by Art by Post participants
75%
reported increase in wellbeing
The big idea
In the early stages of lockdown in 2020, many of us were dealing with boredom and loneliness – a problem exacerbated for people who were not digitally savvy, a particular issue for those living with dementia. Art by Post was our response, conceived as a way of fostering creative expression and connection.
Making it happen
With the support of Paul Hamlyn Foundation, we developed a series of Art by Post booklets, which contained fun and stimulating creative activities. Anyone could request their own copies, which were delivered for free via Royal Mail.
A total of 11 activity books were created, in collaboration with 17 artists. To spark more inspiration and help build a sense of community among participants, we held regular Meet the Artist workshops on Zoom, along with telephone sessions for those not online.
In the end over 40,000 booklets were sent out and we received over 600 artworks from participants.
Delivery partners
A network of 13 delivery partners meant the programme reached far and wide, and gave many participants support to take part.
The exhibition
To celebrate the community that had emerged from Art by Post, we created a touring exhibition in partnership with the National Academy for Social Prescribing.
Art by Post: Of Home and Hope opened at the Southbank Centre and toured The Mill Arts Centre and Banbury Museum & Gallery in Oxfordshire, Arts Centre Washington in Sunderland, The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury, HOME in Manchester, and De Montfort University in Leicester. In addition, an online exhibition showcased the full collection of more than 600 artworks.
‘Proud isn’t a word I use often, but I bloody am of this, if I’m honest’
Art by Post participant
Impact & outcomes
The project significantly enhanced participants’ wellbeing, with 100% of participating organisations reporting an improved Covid-19 community support response. Surveyed participants expressed a notable increase in positivity (73%), wellbeing (75%), and inspiration for creativity (86%).
Analysis showed that Art by Post was particularly effective at engaging with older people who were at risk of loneliness due to isolation and shielding during the pandemic. The format of ‘by post’ creative activities also successfully lowered barriers to cultural engagement for participants who were digitally excluded.
‘Art by Post made an astonishing difference to my life during the pandemic’
Art by Post participant
‘Art is a way to make someone who is unwell feel connected – it promotes healing and conversation’
Art by Post participant
Supported by
Contact us
Contact our Arts and Wellbeing team to find out about being part of our work.
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