Creating Opportunities Through Art

Mark, now working for Novas Arts Mark aged 24, left home at 15 after he assaulted his foster parent who had been physically and mentally abusing him. At this young age Mark had already been diagnosed with ADHD and was prescribed Ritalin, which he now feels suppressed him to the point where it affected his mental capacity on a long-term basis.

Over a period of the next two to three years Mark was forced to stay with friend’s and he soon found himself being involved in some petty crimes. Due to his young age it was difficult to find well paid work and he quickly realised he could make more money by deceiving people and in some cases resorting to violence to get his way.

At 17 years of age Mark was homeless, with no support. Things got worse, and after becoming involved with people who were committing commercial burglaries, Mark then went to prison in 2005. Whilst in custody Mark considered many things from planning armed robberies to ‘going straight.’

In early 2006, Mark’s Probation Officer pointed Mark in the direction of Novas. Once Mark was settled, an interview for Novas Scarman’s Employment Works scheme was organised and Mark was given the opportunity to work for Novas Arts. Mark started as a volunteer helping to organise private views and showed fantastic commitment.

After five months as a volunteer Mark was offered his first ever full time position as Assistant Curator at the Elspeth Kyle Gallery in Southwark. He has now moved to the Contemporary Urban Centre London Bridge Bankside where he is assisting with the curation of exhibitions in the galleries.

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