Over the past few weeks, our Create & Change sessions have taken a slightly different shape and in many ways, they’ve become a reminder of what the programme is all about.
Due to our lead artist starting later in the term, our Learning & Engagement Officer Naomi introduced the idea of participant-led sessions. Rather than pausing activity, the group stepped forward to shape the sessions themselves, sharing creative practices, ideas and skills with one another.
One participant, who led a trinket box decorating session for the group, reflected on the experience:
I enjoy sharing my skills & talents through leading arts & crafts sessions. I gain the opportunity to enhance my public speaking skills & it’s very therapeutic for me.
Their session encouraged participants to experiment creatively and approach the activity in their own individual ways.
I chose this activity because I wanted participants to create something that they’ll enjoy. This activity is something that I enjoy myself & want to share with others. I also love challenges & want to see what others can create too whilst engaging in this activity.
What stood out most strongly in the participants reflections was an approach to creativity built around confidence, freedom and shared learning rather than perfection or instruction.
My creativity is not about teaching but working alongside others to build their confidence too. I talk about the activity then let them create freely in their own way rather than teaching.
This ethos sits at the heart of Create & Change. The programme has always been about creating space for women to connect, explore creativity and build confidence together. These recent sessions showed that creativity within the group does not only come from invited artists or facilitators, it already exists within the participants themselves.
By giving participants the opportunity to lead, the sessions became spaces of mutual encouragement and exchange. Skills were shared, conversations opened up and participants were able to see themselves not just as attendees, but as creatives with something valuable to offer others.
The participant also spoke about the importance of imagination and individuality within creative practice:
I believe that everyone is creative in their own way. I always seek inspiration then create it in my own way & this is something I love showing whilst leading creative sessions.
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the participant-led sessions so far. Your openness, creativity and willingness to support one another continue to shape Create & Change into a truly collaborative space.
These participant-led sessions reflect Sampad’s value of breaking down barriers. By sharing leadership, participants challenged traditional roles of teacher and learner, creating space for confidence, creativity and exchange. This opened up more inclusive, accessible ways of working where everyone’s voice and ideas could shape the sessions.
