Allyson, who is also a practising graphic designer alongside her work at the university, said: “Sophie and I taught together for several years on the Graphic Design course at UCA Epsom. The mask project was designed as a year one introduction activity. During lockdown, we both did the project with our own children and realised the potential in the activity to engage people to explore creativity and wellbeing during the strange period of isolation.
“The process of making and using design in this context is really helpful for mental health and wellbeing. Our aim is to reach people globally and also those that do not usually make stuff, to open people up to the values of art as a tool for wellbeing. To have work shown alongside practising artists and designers. This is an open call for submissions for anyone who wants to have a go.”
The Lockdown Mask collection will be published and exhibited with proceeds donated to fund mental health and wellbeing support, with the hope it could be hosted by a museum.
Allyson added: “What we are seeing is that all of our collaborators are reacting to their own personal circumstances. The activity has enabled a large audience of people beyond the Art School to participate. People that have contributed have expressed that it eased some anxiety, has been a distraction, a moment to reflect, an outlet for cabin fever, it has made people laugh in a difficult time, and it’s also been a home-schooling activity, putting art back on the curriculum.
“Most importantly, I think it has allowed people to be part of something collectively - both those that have participated and the Instagram followers who are watching the project grow.”
Collectarium is a platform that creates innovative design activities and documents how these engage an audience’s participation with public archives and collections. Lockdown Masks is one of the first projects.
Anyone can take part and contribute to the collection, either through Instagram or by emailing the images to collecting@collectarium.co.uk.