Open Arts is a community arts project run by South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

The project was set up to help people with mental health problems to increase their self-confidence and social integration, by learning new skills and self-expression through art groups.

Open Arts operates in community based centres in venues across South Essex. The Art Factory in Benfleet is one of the venues where groups are held, and Art Factory tutors also deliver some of the courses. Other venues where Open Arts take place include Southend, Westcliff, Basildon, Wickford, Rochford and Thurrock.

The projects run in 10 week courses, offering taster sessions in a variety of art techniques.

Week 1
Mark Making - using graphite, charcoal, pencils and various surfaces.

Week 2
Observational drawing techniques.

Week 3
Soft pastel and oil techniques.

Week 4
Watercolour and Aquarelles.

Week 5
Mixed Media - including pen and ink, acrylics, brusho, gouache and acrylic inks.

Week 6
Silk painting and batik techniques.

Week 7
Silk painting and batik techniques.

Week 8
3D art including plaster and mod-roc.

Week 9
Composition time and finishing off.

Week 10
Composition time and finishing off.