Community Arts Workshops
I lead and teach community arts projects that give a voice to the group and that promote inclusivity, connections and creative confidence. Passionate about art being for everyone, I specialise in reaching those less likely to engage with the arts. This element of my arts practised is socially engaged, designed to encourage people to participate in art experiences.
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Community art projects are co-creative, high quality art interventions leaving participants feeling empowered, connected and confident to continue on their artistic journey. Workshops are engaging, inspiring and foster community cohesion whilst sharing and developing artistic skills.
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I have experience in project and budget management, meeting all aims and deliverables on time. My work in this area has seen me create with groups from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including those with additional needs, mental health conditions and those facing other concerns such as domestic violence or housing problems. I have devised and led whole projects as well as working within larger projects.
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"Thank you for joining us on Saturday and for working so flexibly with us! It was fantastic to see so many different age groups taking part in your activities. I hope we're able to work together again in the future." Ellie event organiser
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Since completing Community Arts Practitioner Training, I have worked with many groups and organisations including festivals, schools, WI groups and arts based organisations. I enjoy working with new organisations and groups; if you have a project you would like to work with me for please contact me here. Below are selected community arts projects that I have worked on. ​
Uncover Cultural Skills
Uncover Cultural Skills was a project to highlight hidden creative talents and skills within local community groups in Rotherham and a showcase of art and crafts inspired by culture, nature and freedom. I worked with a group of domestic abuse survivors at Apna Haq to co create a textile banner which, along with work from other groups, was exhibited locally. The banner, co-created with the group, explored their ideas and thoughts about freedom and what it meant to them.
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During the course of a series of five workshops, the group learnt design skills, how to colour and paint fabrics, applique and many embroidery stitches.​
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Youth Workshops with Care Experienced Young People
This project was inspired by the interests of young people who belong to the group – wanting to work with artists, gaming and making something both collaborative and individual. The group of young people aged 8-14 years were all interested in gaming and wanted to create a game that they could use during their group sessions.
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Postcards of Middlesbrough
Devised and led Postcards of Middlesbrough on behalf of Navigator North, participants embroidered their thoughts, memories, feelings of Middlesbrough. I taught necessary skills to participants, managed the budget, sourced materials, marketed the event.
The postcards were exhibited within Navigator North's venue. This is in a shopping centre and connected with people in the community that wouldn't normally access arts events/experiences. None of the participants had work in exhibition before- half of the participants had no experience of embroidery.
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Woven in Kirklees
Woven in Kirklees is a festival celebration of textile innovation, bringing communities together and sharing textile skills. As a long term facilitator I have worked on many of their projects including Mission to Mend and Every Child Challenge, Golcar.
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Spirit of Wakefield
The Spirit of Wakefield, commissioned by Wakefield Museums and Castles, explored and responded to the Wakefield Pageant of 1933. Working with a group of young people a large scale textile installation was created, which is displayed in the foyer of Wakefield One.
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Guisborough Giant Festival
On behalf of Guisborough Arts I delivered a series of workshops to co-create a large scale banner for the Giant Festival. The banner formed part of an arts trail and shared the story of the giants new home.
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Organisations I have worked with:
Lapworth Museum of Geology ArtWaves Festival Stellar Projects Morley Arts Festival
I work widely across the UK for these projects. To discuss your ideas please contact me using this form.
