Calling all creatives in recovery: a powerful new art competition is offering a £500 first prize and a chance to have your work seen and celebrated in an upcoming exhibition curated by someone who knows recovery inside and out.
Jamie, who recently joined us as a guest on the Napo Podcast, is organising an art exhibition centred on the lived experience of recovery. He’s inviting artists who are in recovery – or actively using – to submit their work in any medium, from painting and drawing to poetry, photography, textiles, sculpture and more.
The Theme: The Upside and Downside of Recovery
Artists are asked to explore both the upside of recovery: peace, beauty, serenity, love, calm, colour, and the downside: chaos, addiction, mental health struggles, homelessness, prison, abuse, violence and despair.
Every piece should have a title, and framed artworks should be no larger than A1.
Who Can Enter?
Anyone in recovery – or actively using – is welcome to submit. The competition is open to all artistic mediums including:
- Painting & drawing
- Sculpture & ceramics
- Photography & self-portraits
- Poetry, lyrics & print
- Screenprints, textiles & fashion
This is a rare opportunity to channel your experiences into something that could be shared with the public and celebrated by others who’ve walked the same road.
How to Enter
Once your piece is finished, contact Jamie directly:
jamiechapman273@gmail.com
07488 712412 (ask for Jamie)
or via Instagram: @thegalleryweston
Artworks should be ready for collection at least two weeks before the exhibition opens, and Jamie will arrange pick-up.
Jamie’s Story
Jamie, the organiser, is someone who speaks about recovery not as theory, but from deep personal experience. After decades of drug addiction, homelessness, and time in recovery houses and prison, Jamie turned his life around. His turning point came during a moment of deep reflection, when he asked himself: “What the f** are you doing?”*
That question sparked a journey of transformation. From dry house to university, Jamie earned a BA honours degree in art and design, won student of the year awards, and now mentors others through recovery. He’s also a passionate educator, ambassador for The Longford Trust, and works weekly in rehab – all while running an art gallery and continuing his handyman work.
When he appeared on the Napo Podcast, Jamie shared how creativity, honesty, and the support of others in recovery helped him find a new path. This competition is a continuation of that journey – and an invitation for others to take part.
As Jamie Says…
“If I have time to sit on my arse, I have time to do something positive.”
That spirit of action, resilience, and honesty runs through everything about this competition. If you’re an artist in recovery – or know someone who is – get involved, get creative, and help make this exhibition a powerful testament to what recovery really looks like.
