Portraits of Recovery
Manchester
“Portraits of Recovery is the UK’s only visual arts charity inspiring and supporting people affected by and in recovery from substance use (Recoverists).
As the UK’s only contemporary visual arts organisation working exclusively in this field, we collaborate with leading contemporary artists, individuals in recovery, and recovery communities to showcase the human face of the recovery journey. Our mission is to break down barriers, promote inclusion, and highlight that addiction is a health, social, and cultural issue.
Founded in 2011 by Director Mark Prest, who has his own lived experience with recovery, Portraits of Recovery creates new conversations about addiction and recovery through the lens of contemporary art. We empower those in recovery to become artists and creators, fostering their cultural participation, demystifying contemporary art, and amplifying the voices of an often marginalised community.”
Christiane with Professor Dame Carol Black at PORe’s Chaordic Symposium, the Whitworth Art Gallery, 25th September 2025.
We were introduced through Portraits of Recovery through the brilliantly creative & supportive Performing Recovery magazine. I was drawn in by PORe’s work and values, complete with a Recoverist Manifesto with a forward by the wonderful, wordy Will Self. A few months later they put a call out for expressions of interest to join their Recoverist Union panel: people with lived experience, a passion for art, wanting to shape creative practice in recovery, stand up and give voice to marginalised communities, smash stigma, connect, and really make a difference. I wrote up something immediately and begged to be part of their gang, and in April 2025, I joined the Union…
“I heard of PORe through Performing Recovery, who have championed our developing work and have opened up some inspirational networks for our service. Connecting with national organisations that share our passion for creative practice in recovery, and being part of movements that embrace activism is at the heart of SUIT. We were founded as a voice for a community battling with addiction and stigma, and it is my calling to show our clients that their voice is powerful, everyone has a talent, and I will always work to give them opportunity, purpose, and happiness. Inclusion in the Recoverist Union would give our clients a bigger platform, a greater meaning, and inspirational connections, and I do hope you will consider me to become part of your movement.”
