Sampad has run Create and Change – a weekly arts and wellbeing project – since 2018. As this week saw the last session of this academic year, Sampad’s Learning Officer Naomi reflects on how the project has evolved..
What a year we have had with Create and Change! Working with this year’s group has been a real privilege, as we have had residencies from different artists and taken part in a very exciting project with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
In thinking about how I would summarise this year, two themes came to mind.
Building community
This year we have seen more consistent attendance than ever before, with an average of 15 members per session. Many members attended for at least two terms, meaning that the bonds between group members have been able to grow and strengthen. It has been lovely seeing these relationships grow.
Recently a newer member told me they liked coming because the group was a ‘safe space’, and I think this is testament to the care that members and volunteers show towards each other, as well as the great community support provided by our partners on the project, The Dolphin Women’s Centre.
Learning new skills
Members often feedback to me that they really enjoy the variety that the group provides. We are lucky to have worked with some amazing artists and partners this year to bring a variety of activities into the space. From decorating Shakespearean head-coverings ‘coifs’, to creating birds with air dry clay, movement and felt making, the group have turned their hands and creativity to it all.
It is also great getting to work with so many talented artists. Our artist for this term, Layla Tutt, reflects on her experience of working with the group:
“As a visual artist specialising in the medium of batik, I wanted to introduce the group to different textile techniques. Over the past few weeks we’ve explored wet felting and needle felting, embroidery, weaving and sewing. It’s been wonderful to teach new skills and also amazing to see what everyone comes up with given the same materials!”
Layla described her joy at seeing regular members continue their pieces each week, enjoying a chat and a cuppa with each other, alongside the beautiful view of the lake and greenery, and delicious pakoras, at The Dolphin Centre.
We’re so grateful to work with amazing artists and facilitators, and would like to thank Anam, Sharan, Aarifa, Lauren, Samantha, Fateha, Amina and Layla for their work with us this year, as well as the wonderful staff at The Dolphin Centre!
