HOPE FOR CORNWALL: HELEN TREVASKIS

Showcasing an unconventional book, which tells the story of Cornwall’s housing crisis unflinchingly yet poetically, through words and pictures, without blame and with hope. Created for Homes for Cornwall by Helen Trevaskis.

It can feel impossible to discuss Cornwall’s housing crisis constructively. Which is why Homes for Cornwall – an apolitical movement driven by the need for positive action, commissioned Hope for Cornwall.

Hope for Cornwall was researched, written, and illustrated by Helen Trevaskis a champion of the arts for change including through StreetDraw24.

But what can a book do in amidst a situation as intractable and divisive as the housing crisis? Visit theHope for Cornwall? exhibition to consider this and what role we can each play to create a brighter future for Cornwall.

Hope for Cornwall is a creative non-fiction picture book rooted in reality. While the format is unconventional for a topic of such gravity, its purpose is clear, to help change the narrative around housing in Cornwall from one of blame and despair to one of hope and collaboration.

It was written and illustrated by Krowji-based artist and activist Helen Trevaskis best known at the Poly (and beyond) for her StreetDraw24 community drawing events and exhibitions. Events which have raised awareness and funds for people facing or experiencing homelessness in Cornwall since Helen ran her first event in 2019, while studying illustration at Falmouth University.

Helen’s work with StreetDraw24 also included People. Project Cornwall which she designed and ran with homelessness charity St Petrocs – once again supported by the Poly. This book which came from this project had a direct influence on the decision of The Royal Foundation of Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duchy of Cornwall, to collaborate with St Petrocs to build and provide 24 homes with wrap around support for local people experiencing homelessness at Nansledan, Newquay.

Before coming back to study a BA in illustration at Falmouth University in 2018, Helen worked on public health behaviour change and as a researcher. These skills were evident in Hope for Cornwall, which is underpinned by research with experts in Cornwall and beyond on housing, homelessness, and the impact of the housing crisis in Cornwall.

The book was commissioned by Homes for Cornwall who say of themselves,

‘We are a forward-focused group of business folk and leaders, driven by the need for positive action amid this county-wide crisis. We are a movement. We are unconstrained, non-political, independent with no vested interest except to help create a future where everyone here has access to safe, stable, and affordable homes. We are also optimists, because we believe if we work together the future can be different and better for Cornwall.’

www.thetrevaskis.co.uk @thetrevaskis

HOPE FOR CORNWALL: HELEN TREVASKIS     

Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th October, 10am-5pm

Private View: Tuesday 15th October 5-7pm 

Free Entry. Everyone welcome!