Lucille Bart
Lucille Bart, BA, is Executive Director of Artbeat Studio Inc., a community based, consumer-initiated, and peer-directed program. It provides social supports, free working art studio and gallery space, and mentorship for recovery and empowerment of individuals living with mental illness. It’s committed to decreasing stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and poverty through positive action, mental health education and advocacy. She co-founded Artbeat as a non-profit, charitable organization in 2005 with her son Nigel, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 19. He’s since used various forms of art to deal with the illness and stigma that surrounds it. Over 200 participants completed Artbeat’s 6-month studio residency program and exhibited work in 21 biannual exhibitions. Many continue delivering art programs through its urban art centre project, Studio Central. She deeply appreciates the therapeutic value of the creative process and restorative potential of art.
