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Blackpool Music Festival presents "NOTHING CHANGES if NOTHING CHANGES. A thought provoking exhibition of art by renowned street artist Jay Wheeler AKA Love artGlobal. The exhibition themes are around Love and Mental Health. All monies raised through art sales and donations go to Streetlife, a local Blackpool charity providing support, shelter and direction to help vulnerable young people find their way.
Jay Wheeler, who founded Love Artuk and Love ArtGlobal, served 15 years in the British Army and he reveals how art aided him in his recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder, emotionally unstable personality disorder and depression.
On his last day on patrol in Afghanistan, his friend and comrade, Zac Cusack, was killed in front of him in an enemy attack, at the age of 21.
Jay left the force a week later and it was here he began his battle with mental health.
Liverpool based Jay said: “Art has uncovered many questions about how I perceive myself and the world around me. Suffering from depression can take away your dignity and confidence – it’s very hard to believe in yourself.
“The brain can be our everything but also be our nightmare. Art allows us to take back some control – it allows us to escape.”
The artist uses the word ‘Love’ to spray his artwork around the city, which he says has a deeper meaning behind it.
During his breakdowns and suicide attempts after leaving the force, he began to think about all the hate that he had previously come across from being a young boy all the way through to his 15-year service in the army.
Mr Wheeler added: ”I first discovered art during my second admission to Broadoak Psychiatric Hospital for several suicide attempts. I was introduced to the Occupational Therapy Department, which is separate from the wards themselves.
“It’s a very good place to talk openly with other patients about how we are feeling that day and it takes away your negative thoughts and memories. The budget for OT departments isn’t the best and that’s why I like to raise money for them.”
Jay doesn’t plan to stop his work and fundraising any time soon and as well as this event for Streetlife, he has a number of plans already in place for the future.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Streetlife, 44 Buchanan Street, Blackpool, FY1 3LQ, United Kingdom
