For the third consecutive year, Bath Abbey is hosting ‘Think Different’, an art exhibition designed to challenge the public’s perceptions of the homeless and vulnerable among us.
Open to the public from Friday 18 May to Wednesday 23 May during the Abbey’s visiting hours, the exhibition consists of paintings, animation, photography and creative writing created by locals who are currently supported by Bath’s homeless charities. Each year the variety and quality of the exhibits surprises and delights, while challenging us to think about the individual exhibitor’s circumstances, potential, and above all, our own perceptions of the homeless and vulnerable.
Kerry Headen, Bath Abbey’s Homelessness Initiative Manager, said: “The Abbey continues to prioritise its work with local communities and charities, and we are delighted, once again, to be involved with a project which helps people look beyond the label of ‘homeless’ and all its preconceptions. ‘Think Different’ is the perfect opportunity to represent some of the most marginalised in our community – the silent, lost or forgotten – and to invite the public to think about these issues a little more.
“There are real people in real need in Bath every day, but sometimes it can be hard to think of them as individuals. They may be the Big Issue sellers that we walk past in the street, but actually could just as easily be the person sitting right next to you. There are a number of agencies in the city who do invaluable work supporting the homeless and vulnerable, giving people opportunities to change their lives positively through various projects such as this one.”
‘Think Different’ is a joint project between Bath Abbey and seven Bath homeless and housing organisations: Big Issue, Clean Slate Training and Employment, DHI (Developing Health and Independence), Julian House, Genesis Trust, Shape Housing and Stonham Housing.
This year, the exhibition has been invited to be part of the Bath Fringe Festival, the city’s only visual arts festival. Once ‘Think Different’ ends at the Abbey, there will be a second chance to see it at Stall Street from 25 May to 10 June.
