Podcast on Purpose: How artist Alison Lapper turned grief into a force for good

In our latest episode of Podcast on Purpose, we have an incredibly moving conversation with artist Alison Lapper, hosted by Philippa Forrester, alongside Simon Deverell, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Crowdfunder. The episode sheds light on Alison’s journey, her deep connection to art, and how she has channelled personal tragedy into an inspiring movement that helps young people through creative expression.

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Art as a Lifeline

Alison Lapper is no stranger to adversity. Born with phocomelia, she grew up in an institutional setting, navigating a world that often misunderstood her. However, from an early age, she found solace in art—an outlet that allowed her to express what words often couldn’t.

“Even as a child I was always drawing… I don’t know, early maybe teens, but it wasn’t something that I sat down and thought about, oh, this is actually therapy for me. All I knew is that I loved doing it. I did it all the time whenever I could, and I enjoyed it, and it just kept me sane, really.”

Her most well-known moment in the public eye came when artist Marc Quinn created a monumental sculpture of her during pregnancy, displayed on Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth. But beyond the art world’s recognition, Alison’s most personal and meaningful work was yet to come.

Turning Grief into Purpose

In 2019, Alison faced the devastating loss of her son, Parys, who struggled with mental health challenges. The pain of losing him could have been all-consuming, but instead, Alison turned her grief into action. She founded The Drug of Art, a charity dedicated to providing young people with access to creative expression as a means of therapy and emotional release.

Through art workshops, The Drug of Art creates a safe, judgment-free environment where young people can explore their emotions, process trauma, and find their voice.

Alison emphasises that the focus isn’t on the outcome or creating a perfect piece of work—it’s about the act of creating, which itself can be profoundly healing. “I always say at the beginning, it doesn’t matter what you do, what you produce. I’m not looking for beautiful paintings. I’m looking for you so that I can give you … the experience of what it’s like to be a to be different, which is what I am.”

The Power of Crowdfunding and Additional Funding

Crowdfunder played a pivotal role in helping The Drug of Art gain momentum. In addition to the generous support from individuals, the project has also received significant backing from organizations including British Airways, National Emergencies Trust, and East Sussex County Council. This +Extra funding has allowed The Drug of Art to expand its reach, offer more workshops, and create long-term sustainability for the initiative.

When Alison and her team realised the potential impact of their project, they turned to crowdfunding to raise the necessary funds. Simon Deverell, who was so moved by Alison’s mission, joined The Drug of Art as a trustee, further cementing the partnership between Crowdfunder and this life-changing initiative.

The campaign has not only provided financial support but also built a community of backers who believe in the importance of mental health and creative therapy.

When asked about arts projects on the Crowdfunder platform, Simon had this to say, “We have a lot of creative projects and we also have a lot of mental health projects. So two areas which are massively underfunded and [this project is] probably the biggest crossover of the two, [highlighting] the lack of funding in the arts and lack of funding in mental health.”

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Mental health challenges among young people are more prevalent than ever, with social media pressures, academic stress, and societal expectations taking a toll. Alison recognizes this growing crisis and is determined to expand The Drug of Art to reach even more people in need.

“We are in a real crisis point. We need to somehow get better control back of what young people see, what they’re exposed to. Yes, they need to know what’s going on in the world. But even fake news, what’s real anymore?” Alison reflects.

How You Can Help

The Drug of Art is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and resilience. If Alison’s story has inspired you, there are many ways you can support her mission:

• Find out more about The Drug Of Art at Alison’s website.
• Donate to The Drug of Art campaign on Crowdfunder.
• Find out about crowdfunding for community projects.
• Start crowdfunding for your own art project.

Alison’s journey proves that even in the darkest times, art can be a beacon of hope. By supporting The Drug of Art and similar community initiatives in your local area, you’re helping to ensure that young people struggling with mental health challenges have access to a creative outlet that could change their lives.