Art in Adversity

Creativity and wellbeing in our community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Summer Fun Cancelled, Janet Kumar.

Burgh House is a historic house situated in the heart of Hampstead Village in North London. We are a museum, events space and art gallery and our purpose is to provide a welcoming space where everyone can discover the heritage of Hampstead, by participating in our diverse programme of events and exhibitions.

In June 2020, as lockdown restrictions in the UK began to ease, we invited our community to tell us about the creative projects they had produced during the Covid-19 pandemic. We wanted to understand the impact of the lockdown on our local residents, and how they had been using art during this time. We learnt that art and creativity has served as a valuable tool for many in the pursuit of happiness, understanding and purpose during this difficult and isolating period.

Art in Adversity is an online exhibition and community-curated project that draws together these artworks and experiences in a digital format. It explores and celebrates the ways in which creativity can make us feel more connected, help us cope in times of adversity, and improve our mental health and wellbeing. This is a rare moment in history and we hope this exhibition will be a valuable resource for our community and beyond to enjoy, reflect upon and learn from.

Follow the links below to explore the exhibition, learn how to make a creative project of your own, and find out more about Burgh House.