'Art Saves Lives' Launch This Week

Art Saves Lives seems an ambitious statement but Dean Stalham's new community interest company aims to give a platform - a voice and life - to marginalised writers and artists. One of their partners is the Koestler Trust, a prison arts charity, which gives you an idea of the oft neglected, unheard groups of people they'll be working with.

Two arty launch events reveal the venture this week in Stoke Newington, both free to attend. Go along to find out more and enjoy performances by poet Simon Miles, music from Billy Bragg's Jail Guitar Doors and hip hop artist Eddie Otchere. Ex-offender writer David Fredericks, Chief Executive of the Koestler Trust and the Head of Art at Wormwood Scrubs will also speak. As an added bonus there's a chance to see two of Stalham's three short plays we caught at the Camden Fringe.

To raise awareness and funds, Art Saves Lives is holding an extraordinary raffle of over 60 works of art including a signed Picasso print (alright, it's not Guernica but still) a rare early photo of Kate Moss, a limited edition signed Beryl Cook print and a photogram by New York based artist Adam Fuss. The art will be on display at the launch and raffle tickets are just £10. Piqued your interest? We'll see you there.

Art Saves Lives launch events are Thursday 22 and Friday 23 October at The Gallery, Stoke Newington Library, Church Street N16 - see Facebook. They take over Resonance FM from 8pm on Wednesday night so tune in at 104.4FM or listen online to find out more.