Papers of Aidan Shingler

The papers of Aidan Shingler, relating to his work with Arts for Health on various projects including:

The "Cry for Sanctuary" project.

The "Beyond Reason" exhibition.

The "Life Lines" workshops

"Only Smarties have the Answer" a puppet show based on Aidan's experiences.

"I Love Being Mad", a tv show on mental health care in the UK that Aidan was interviewed for.

The "Kiss It" campaign, a march for mental health treatment awareness.

Materials consist of correspondence, notes, feedback forms, press releases, documentation, artwork, props and items, as well as several DVD's of his work and interviews.

c.1984-2008

2 boxes, 4 DVDs, 17 oversized items

Donated on 17 August 2015.

Aidan Shingler is a London born artist, writer and activist. He has worked on various projects relating to art and mental health including his coception and organisation of the Kiss it! Campaign which was a series of national protests to expose human rights violations in the psychiatric system.

He has authored and co-authored several books including "On the Receiving End" which was published to highlight the emotional and psychological impact of psychiatric assault and call for radical reform of the mental health system. "Psyche" 2016: an account of the visionary potential of unusual states of consciousness, exploring the spiritual and creative aspects of schizophrenia, and the ways in which the senses of those experiencing psychosis are opened to paranormal stimuli. The book validates schizophrenia or ‘Psyche-sensitivity’ as evidence of humankind evolving before us, here and now, and emphasises its positive and transforming potential. And "One in a Hundred" a catalogue of artworks including commentary of Aidan's artistic process.

His art questions and challenges common preconceptions and misconceptions, inviting all to see the world anew. Through creativity he celebrates life and the universe, emphasises the multi-dimensional nature of reality and conveys the vulnerability and strength of the human spirit. His work is pervaded by signs, symbolism, synchronicity and significance. Shingler's exhibitions have toured the United Kingdom and he was curator of the 1990 "Visions" show at the Royal College of Art and is the creator of StarDisc, a 21st Century celestial amphitheater located in the Derbyshire Dales.

As well as the Wellcome archive, Aidan Shingler's artwork is included in several permanent collections including:

- Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art

- The University of Nottingham, School of Medicine

- Derbyshire County Hall

Part of the Arts for Health collections (ref: ART).

A number of Arts and Health organisations deposited their collections at Manchester Metropolitan University to form what was known as the Arts for Health archive. In 2015, these papers were donated to Wellcome Library and subsequently divided into the following collections, with a unifying 'ART' prefix in the reference number.

Arts for Health archive: the main organisational archive of Arts for Health; "ART/AFH".

Healing Arts, Isle of Wight archive: Papers of Healing Arts, Isle of Wight from its establishment in 1984 up to 2012; "ART/IOW"..

Mike White archive: Papers relating to Mike White's work for Arts for Health while at Gateshead Council and Durham University; "ART/MIW"

Langley Brown archive: Papers relating to Langley Brown's work for Manchester Hospital Arts (now Lime), and for Start (Sheltered Training in the Arts); "ART/LAB".

Stockport Arts and Health archive: Papers of Stockport Arts and Health, 1990-2008; "ART/SAH".

Aiden Shingler archive: Papers of Aiden Shingler, relating to his work with Arts for Health; "ART/ASH"..

Graham Cooper archive: Cooper's working notes and research folders for projects on effects of hospital architecture on patient wellbeing and care; "ART/COO".

Lime Arts archive: Papers of Lime Arts, 1973-2007; "ART/LIM".

Artlink West Yorkshire: Organisational records, 1984-2010, "ART/AWY".

In addition, some grey literature and publications have been added to the Library's holdings, and can be searched for in the Library catalogue by searching "Donor: Arts for Health"