Reclaim Joy, Rest & Community | Mindful African Art Workshops for all
You are welcome to just be. Redefine self-care through art rooted in African wisdom, mindfulness, and unapologetic joy in workshops designed for burnout Black women and open to all identities. No perfection required.
Your body is not a machine – it’s your sanctuary️. When was the last time you truly listened to yours?
In our sensory-rich Mindful African Art workshops, we use African textiles, natural fibres, and mindful creativity to:
Remember how to play: Lower stress and cortisol through tactile play (backed by Kaimal et al.)
Reclaim joy: Explore taste, texture, and scent as acts of pleasure and inspiration for your art.
Redefine success: Every “mistake” is a step towards building self-trust.
“Your workshop was like a retreat! I came across the intentions I set at your workshop and I am doing many of them with recent vigour without realising the connection, so I just wanted to say thank you!” – Shereen
Why this works for Black women and people with strategically undervalued identities
Reconnect with your deepest desires through portraiture, as I guide you to partner with your imagination and design a life that excites you.
No more “hustle harder” narratives. Here we merge ancestral wisdom with modern psychology to reimagine liberation through radical rest.
You deserve more than resilience. You deserve joy.
“After three sessions with Birungi I feel my creative side beginning to blossom. I’m finding myself more creative, and have realised new talents that I’m wanting to share with others. I’m starting to explore poetry and look at open mic sessions – I never had the confidence to do these things before so it’s a whole new adventure. Birungi has lit a light in my colleagues at the wellbeing hub, with lots of people feeling “I can do this, I can do more, I can be creative”. – Dawn
What others say
Many people like you have felt changes within them from my workshops. Here’s what they say:
“In your workshop I reconnected to myself – your art class is a gift for the soul!” – Jacqui
“I forgot how good it feels to play. This was medicine.” – Danielle
“This workshop helped me see myself beyond burnout. I finally gave myself permission to dream.” – Angela
What to expect
You’ll be ushered into a welcoming sanctuary with herbal tea and fresh fruit, settling into ease. Through guided sensory reflections, art and craft technique demonstrations, you’ll choose your path to creative rest honouring your intuition without expectation. I’ll support you to express your vision and build on my experience of Afro-portraiture, plant fibre, paper and textile collage. A closing circle invites quiet revelations and shared warmth, fostering connection. You’ll leave grounded, carrying art you’ve made and mindfulness tools that nourish rather than demand—a reminder to embrace presence, instead of performing wellness.
”It actually changed my life, because you’re at this place where you think you have everything, but something’s missing. Then you connect on a spiritual level with this type of activity and with others, and you see how much your life has been enriched and blessed by these experiences.” – Jenice
Dates and time
Join us on Sundays 11 May, 8 June, 6 July and 3 August at 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Location
Join us at this serene, light filled studio with river views in South East London and breathe easy.
Free onsite parking and Bus, National Rail, Queen Elizabeth and Underground transport links nearby.
Your questions, answered
“I’m not creative. Will I fit in?”
Absolutely. Everyone is creative, you get to decide what creativity is for you.
“How is this different from therapy?”
This is not a substitute for therapy, however these workshops use art and community to help you reconnect with yourself. Many participants find it a powerful complement to their healing journey.
“What should I bring?”
Just yourself. We provide all materials. Wear something comfortable.
“Can I come alone?”
Yes! Most people arrive solo but connect with others as they share who they are becoming.
Why join us?
This isn’t just art – it’s liberation!
“A massive thank you for your brilliance on the weekend - it was so glorious to work with you and what you created was very special and meaningful.” – Anna-Maria Nabiryre, Afri-Co-Lab
Why me?
As a well-being researcher and artist rooted in Black feminist traditions, I blend Afro-somatic practices, Ugandan natural fibres, and communal art to help you stop surviving and start thriving. My work isn’t about fixing you – it’s about freeing you.
After years witnessing Black women, disabled, queer and gender expansive people shrink themselves in corporate spaces (and burning out myself), I turned to art as rebellion. My Sisters Need Sleep series and A Space for Resistance and Renewal art installations became sanctuaries for all to rest, heal, and reclaim their humanity.
Years ago, navigating disability and burnout I had to relearn how to feel – sunlight on my skin, the earthy scent of bark cloth, the cool temperature of earth beneath my feet.
This workshop isn’t about “self-care.” It’s about self-preservation. Through embroidery, breathwork, and storytelling, we’ll reclaim rest as rebellion and laughter as medicine.
Come as you are. Leave lighter.