Van Gogh Alive Charity Partnerships
Van Gogh Alive, the multi-sensory smash-hit exhibition created and produced by Grande Experiences which opens in Bradford later this month, is proud to announce a new fundraising partnership with Mind in Bradford, a local mental health charity whose mission is to ensure that no one experiences a mental health problem alone.
As an artist, Van Gogh depicted a whole range of human emotions in his work – alluding to the struggles he himself faced throughout his life. His expressive and impulsive style frequently hinted at a darkness that often comes hand in hand with creative genius. This partnership seeks to raise money to help Mind in Bradford continue to provide its crucial services, while bringing mental health to the forefront of audiences’ minds when reflecting on the Van Gogh Alive experience which opens at Bradford’s Grade II listed Regency Hall on 13th October 2022 and runs until 8th January 2023.
Mind in Bradford is an independent local charity which was set up more than 30 years ago by a group of service users who were looking for more mental health and wellbeing support. The organisation became affiliated to national Mind, but is still an independent charity which relies on its own resources to provide award-winning local services.
Mind in Bradford aims to help people experiencing emotional and mental health problems towards recovery and a better life. Its services include telephone support lines; face-to-face group meetings as well as tailored services for young people including ‘Youth in Mind’ and ‘Know Your Mind’; which offers specialist support for those aged between 8 and 25 years old with learning difficulties.
At the Van Gogh Alive event audiences will be able to experience Van Gogh’s work like never before, and hopefully gain a perspective and understanding about the artist and his work that speaks to the collective human experience. Alongside showcasing more than 3,000 images from the artist, Van Gogh Alive will also feature an interpretive area where visitors can learn more about his life and works as well as interactive art stations to create their own art. Visitors will be able to donate to Mind in Bradford via ‘Tap to Donate’ points throughout the experience.
John Carrigan, Project Director for Van Gogh Alive said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Mind in Bradford to highlight and raise money to support their incredible work delivering crucial mental health services across the district.”
Helen Davey, Chief Executive, Mind in Bradford said: “It is exciting to hear the Van Gogh Alive experience is coming to Bradford this autumn and we are delighted to be the official charity partner whilst the exhibition lives at Regency Hall until January 2023. We want to use this partnership to raise awareness of our local services to people visiting the exhibition that may not know about their local Mind. We also hope to raise vital funds to support the running of our services, a lifeline for many people in Bradford District and Craven.”
Bruce Peterson, owner of Grande Experiences, said: “After mesmerising a global audience of over 8 million people and selling-out cities all over the world, including London, Sydney and Beijing, we’re incredibly excited that Van Gogh Alive makes its Yorkshire premiere in Bradford, the recently crowned UK City of Culture 2025. This is an unforgettable cultural experience for all the family.”
Van Gogh Alive in Bradford is supported by Bradford Council and Bradford 2025.