Helping Colours of Redbridge Find Their Creative Voice
Aim: Inspire participants to contribute creative writing and artwork towards anthology project ‘Voices in Harmony’.
Audience: Black and Asian Women of Redbridge aged 40 – 70 years, approx. 15+ participants.
Client: Colours of Redbridge
Partner: Redbridge Borough of London and the Arts Council England Creative People and Places fund.
Artistic solution: I designed and delivered a two-part mindful ‘past and future’ workshop programme, using creative writing and artistic responses to help participants relax and reengage with their senses, culture, memories and hopes.
Project date: March 2024
“No Black woman has ever written enough.”
Wellbeing Art Anthology Programme
Introduction and presentation – I presented how art, mindfulness and storytelling help us be our true selves, and I shared my own story.
Breathwork and movement – to induce calm and relaxation.
Inspired literary and visual responses – through stimulating mindful sensory exercises, I helped participants to write and draw themselves in the present.
Creative writing coaching – I supported participants to create ‘past and present’ self-writings, rooted in their unique sensory exploration, memory and imagination.
Collage art exploration – as a self-taught artist, I encouraged participants to respond to their past and future self-writing, using materials and natural fibres of cultural significance.
Presentations and reflection – participants were confident to share writings and artworks and contribute to the Voices in Harmony book.
Impact & Testimonials
Peace
.
Creativity
.
Pride
.
Peace . Creativity . Pride .
Participants reconnected to their inner creativity and confidence to share their stories and improve their wellbeing. Many participants left with the desire to write more.
“Thank you so much for delivered such a warm, inviting and authentic session today.
Thank you so much for bringing your authentic self to the sessions. The feedback I have received says the women really enjoyed and were impacted by your sessions.”
