In a bright, open-concept space on Albert Street operates Artbeat Studio, a not-for-profit charity that empowers mental health recovery through art. Through their programs, Artbeat aims to offer a healing space that is self-directed, peer-supported, and people-first. Part gallery, part studio, and part public art hub, Artbeat provides a safe and creative environment that fosters personal and artistic growth.
Nigel Bart founded Artbeat Studio in 2004 after his own experience using art to cope with schizophrenia. Diagnosed at 19 while attending university, Nigel struggled with the voices in his head until one day, his mother, a potter, invited him to work with clay at her studio. He discovered that shaping clay helped silence the voices, allowing him to focus and find peace. This realization led Nigel to envision a space where artists facing mental health challenges could come together to create and heal. Artbeat Studio was born from this vision, offering a supportive, creative environment emphasizing art and mental wellness.
Today, a dedicated team runs Artbeat Studio, and Executive Director Uyen is at the helm. With a background in commerce and years spent working in corporate environments, Uyen’s path to Artbeat might seem unexpected. But joining the Artbeat team was a moment of alignment for Uyen, who shared, “I was at a place in my life where it felt right.” After leaving the corporate world, she opened a store with her sister in the Exchange District, eventually selling the space and working at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre. In December 2018, she joined the Artbeat team as an executive assistant; by July 2019, she was the Executive Director. Through her years in the role, she’s steered the studio through COVID and helped it become stronger on the other side, always prioritizing the people.
At its core, Artbeat Studio provides a safe and supportive space for artists navigating mental health challenges. Their space on Albert Street is home to a gallery and their Artists in Residence program, which welcomes eight artists for a six-month residency twice a year. Participants gain access to studio space, tools, and a community of fellow artists and alumni. The goal is to remove barriers that might prevent artists from fully engaging in their work, allowing them the freedom to create at their own pace. The studio allows artists to focus fully on creation alongside like-minded individuals. Plus, they can store their finished pieces and supplies there, eliminating another barrier for those with kids, pets, or small spaces at home.
The residency culminates in a group show at the gallery, where artists often showcase their work publicly for the first time. “It’s a mix of happiness and anxiety for the artists,” Uyen says. “But the opening night can draw up to 150 people, and they get to keep 100% of their sales.” The artists’ work is also featured in a year-end publication, highlighting their pieces and a headshot and biography. Alumni receive more chances to display their work through initiatives like the Artbeat calendar and other special projects. Beyond the residency, Artbeat continues to support its artists by offering gallery space for solo shows and providing ongoing opportunities to stay connected with the Artbeat community.
Alongside the Artists in Residence opportunity, Artbeat offers a host of other programs. They run Studio Central, a community art centre in Portage Place that offers free art programming to the public. At Studio Central, alumni artists have the chance to teach workshops and further develop their creative careers. Through initiatives like Art in the Park — a series of free summer workshops — and partnerships with organizations like the Winnipeg Foundation and Knox Church, Artbeat alums have also contributed to public art projects and murals across the city. The social enterprise Upbeat Artworks is another way alumni stay involved. This volunteer-run gallery showcases Artbeat artists, allowing them to sell their art while retaining 80% of their profits. These opportunities enable alumni to stay connected, grow their skills, and contribute to the broader community. “Art is very solitary work. I don’t want them to return to how things were 6 months ago by themselves. The programs encourage them to go out and meet other people and stay connected, which supports mental health,” shares Uyen.
“The programs encourage them to go out and meet other people and stay connected, which supports mental health.”
Artbeat’s community-driven philosophy is perhaps best summarized in their guiding principle: “When one is well, all are well.” It’s a belief that’s been validated time and time again, like when a formerly anxious artist, once reluctant to venture downtown, completed her residency and found a newfound sense of independence and community. “She now volunteers downtown and comes for First Fridays. Her circle of concern has disappeared,” Uyen shares proudly.
The Exchange District truly is the heart of Artbeat’s operations. They’ve been in the same space on Albert for the last 20 years, in an area they chose for its focus on arts and culture. The Exchange is filled with galleries, making it perfect for gallery hops and other community art events. Its central location, accessible by bus routes, ensures that artists without cars or internet access can still participate in programs. The Exchange also provides convenient access to art supply stores like Seduta. There’s a lot going on for artists, and a highlight is First Fridays. Uyen shares, “First Fridays is booming; we get a lot of people in the gallery during First Fridays.” They often feature solo shows of alumni artists in the gallery, making it a must-see each month.
Artbeat Studio is always bustling with community-focused programming, offering plenty of ways to support both the organization and its talented artists. Be sure to catch the upcoming artist showcase on December 13th. To stay up to date on their events and learn how you can support their incredible work, visit:
Website: https://artbeatstudio.ca/
Instagram: @artbeatstudio