On the 18th and 19th June Newcastle and Gateshead Art Studio presents apples is apples.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmUftc2w8S8&feature=youtu.be

  An engaging portrait of Newcastle and Gateshead Art Studio (NAGAS), a creative service for adults who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, diagnosed mental health problems and other forms of social exclusion.

The film playfully documents the group and subtly explores their interactions within the wider context of human behaviour that prevails outside the walls of the Art Studio. The result is an intimate insight into this service, the diverse number of individuals who attend and their juxtaposition to the common portrayals of mental health. All set to a compelling and original soundtrack recorded by the NAGAS music group. 

apples is apples is the culmination of a yearlong collaborative project, between NAGAS Studio Members, NAGAS Staff and visual artist Andrew Wilson.

“apples is apples is a window into the heart of this exceptional organisation”

“It playfully suggests what makes the place special despite its juxtaposition with the current socio-political climate”

Victoria Armstrong, Doctoral researcher, Durham University

NAGAS: Newcastle and Gateshead Art Studio (Nagas) is a user-led creative studio service and registered charity (no. 1116957) with provision across visual arts, music and performance based in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Since service delivery began in 2006, Nagas has evolved organically as a result of regular consultation with members; its core aim is to provide a sustainable service that engages people in creative activity, promote social inclusion and interaction, and develop skills and ability which, in turn, builds resilience, enables potential and improves wellbeing.

The studio provides a unique combination a place and space for members to develop their own creative work independently and skills development in the form of creative workshops such as printing, water colours, creative writing, Photoshop, ceramics, music, song writing and puppetry.  

“On countless occasions I observed many members demonstrating the same care and compassion to their peers which had been offered to them by the staff.  I believe it is this nexus of supportive working relationships which makes much of the NAGAS magic possible and the studio’s atmosphere so endearing”

Victoria Armstrong, Doctoral researcher, Durham University

“The best thing (about NAGAS) is the environment.  Everyone is treated as an equal.  There is no hierarchy between staff and users”  

Partner Agency

THE SCREENINGS: apples is apples will be screened twice from The Star and Shadow Cinema on Wednesday 18th June at 7:30pm and Thursday 19th June at 1:30pm. 

The Star and Shadow Cinema is located at the top of Stepney Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NP. Both screenings will be open to the public and free of charge.

The Wednesday evening screening will be immediately followed by a live performance from the NAGAS music group who have recorded the soundtrack to the film.

“What seems to make it work is that it’s community based, and lets people build and develop their own structure within a supportive environment with clear boundaries”

Referring Agency

 “It is not hyperbole to state that at the time Apples is Apples is first screened, ‘if’ and ‘how’ NAGAS continues to exist hangs in the balance”

Victoria Armstrong, Doctoral researcher, Durham University      

Apples is Apples has been kindly supported by The Community Foundation, Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

Original Soundtrack recorded by The NAGAS music Group.

For a Teaser Trailer please click on the Link here.

For further information regarding NAGAS click here.