A LANDMARK new exhibition – the first of its kind in the UK to chart the history, impact and creative power of occupational therapy – has opened in Rugby.
Strike A Light – The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy, is now on display at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s First Floor and Balcony Galleries.
It is the first time an exhibition has been staged in the UK to chart the history and impact of occupational therapy, celebrating its role in helping people to get on with their lives through creativity, everyday activity and human connection.
Through immersive displays, rare archive material, interactive elements and newly commissioned artwork, the exhibition showcases the breadth and impact of occupational therapy, highlighting how occupational therapists support people to engage in play, learning, creativity, work, relationships and self-care.
The exhibition is funded by and developed with the Elizabeth Casson Trust, and curated by occupational therapists Dr Sophie Knight of the University of Worcester and Jemma Channing from Arts Council England.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: “Bold, inspiring and deeply moving, Strike A Light brings together art, science, archive material and lived experience to reveal how occupational therapy supports people across a wide range of conditions and life experiences – particularly during times of illness, disease, injury and trauma.
“At its heart, the exhibition highlights creativity – something that links to all of us – and the everyday activities that give our lives meaning.
“Rather than focusing on what people cannot do, Strike A Light takes a strengths-based approach, celebrating adaptability, possibility and resilience. The exhibition demonstrates how occupational therapy enables people to reconnect with what matters to them, supporting wellbeing, identity and independence at every stage of life.”
One strand of the exhibition explores experiences of dementia, highlighting how creative and meaningful activity can support connection, expression and quality of life.
The work has been developed with visual artist and advocate Jessica Hartshorn, who led a programme of creative workshops with The Good Times, a monthly group at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum that engages adults living with dementia.
The first session, held in January, invited participants to explore meaningful activities and create layered ‘book’ artworks which feature as part of the exhibition.
Curator Jemma Channing said: “We’re thrilled to have Jessica join us as we develop this exhibition.
“Her inclusive approach aligns perfectly with our aim to advance the profession of occupational therapy by demonstrating the power of creative activities in supporting health and wellbeing.”
Dee Christie OBE, Chair of the Elizabeth Casson Trust, said the exhibition was about possibility.
She added: “Occupational therapy focuses on people’s strengths – what matters to them, what brings them joy and what they can do.
“This exhibition celebrates creativity and everyday activity as powerful tools for living well and shines a light on the positive impact occupational therapy has on all our lives.”
Strike A Light runs until May 16.
