Flying High

Lifestyles public art ran a series of workshops that led to Flying High by Sheena Graham George and Anjelica Kroeger. Flying High was a collaborative public artwork created by adults with learning disabilities, professional artists and local community groups in Orkney. The artwork was the result of a project launched in 2017 aimed at providing users of the Lifestyles Service access to a wide range of creative workshops. The project was designed jointly by the Orkney Islands Council’s Arts Development Service and the Lifestyle Service managed by Orkney Health and Care which supports adults with learning disabilities in the county.

‘Flying High’ comprises 8 large canvases. The artwork will remain on permanent display at the Lifestyles Service, taking full advantage of the impressive central octogen with its vaulted glass ceiling and natural light. Local artist Sheena Graham George and Ullapool-based artist Angelica Kroeger were commissioned to carry out the project, which has included several hands-on workshops with service users from the Lifestyles Service along with partner organisations Connect, SEAL and the Blide Trust.

“Angelica and Sheena have brought their own art practices to the table whilst service users have had the opportunity to explore everything from sculpture to printmaking to painting. What stands out is the power of art to connect people”. - Anthony Mottershead, Arts Officer, Orkney Islands Council, 2014-2019.

Supporting around 40 adults, the Lifestyles Service provides modern, flexible, community-based services to meet the wide-ranging needs of service users. The building, which opened in 2015 and is situated at the Pickaquoy Centre includes an IT suite, meeting facilities, activity rooms, a multi-sensory space, an outdoor garden and provides easy access to the sports and leisure facilities at the Pickaquoy Centre, Orkney’s largest health and leisure facility. It promotes community involvement with the service, offering people with learning disabilities opportunities to be involved in their wider community, promoting health, wellbeing and independence.

This project was part funded by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014 – 2020 Programme; and Orkney Islands Council. The film can be found on YouTube.  Further Information can also be found at The Orkney News.