EXPANDING ACCESS TO CREATIVITY IN THE NORTH WEST

In late 2024, Create received a grant from Garfield Weston Foundation to support our programmes across the North West of England. This funding has been instrumental in enabling us to reach more individuals and communities, fostering creativity, and providing much-needed respite for carers.

Despite the North West’s vibrant cultural scene, there are notable challenges in arts engagement. A 2024 report highlighted that since 2010, the UK’s total cultural budget has been reduced by 6%, with local public funding for cultural services decreasing between 39% and 48% across various regions.

These statistics underscore the importance of our mission to make creativity accessible to everyone. Thanks to our funders, including the grant from Garfield Weston Foundation, we are expanding our vital work of giving the most marginalised people in our society opportunities to engage with the creative arts.

EMPOWERING ADULT CARERS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY IN MANCHESTER

Our creative:voices programme offers adult carers respite from their caring responsibilities. Between September and October 2024, Create artist Becky Lattin led six weeks of photography.

Hazel took part in the workshops and reflected on how the project helped her see the world – and herself – differently.

“I’ve never smiled so much and been so happy,” she said. “I’m feeding off the positivity here. I also found [that being creative] made me feel more relaxed and sharpened my mind.”

“I’ve learnt to be bold, be brave, and just go and take the picture as close as possible. It was wonderful seeing like-minded people trying to do something different with their lives.”

CONNECTION THROUGH CREATIVITY

In Sefton, young carers Ocean (11) and Bob (nine) explored sound and music in a series of workshops with Create musician Bethan Roberts. Working together to write, record and produce their own songs helped foster connection, self-expression and fun.

“You get to have time away from your siblings,” Ocean shared, “and you can see people that have the same problems as you. So, you feel a bit less on your own.”

You get to have time away from your siblings, and you can see people that have the same problems as you. So, you feel a bit less on your own.

Ocean, young carer

Bob added, “Some people have said I have a wild imagination through this. It’s good to show how unique you are to other people.”

FINDING YOUR VOICE

For Peter, an adult carer who attends Manchester Carers Forum, the creative writing project led by Ben Mellor offered a rare and much-needed outlet. “It was very good [doing something creative],” he said. “It keeps your mind working. And you get a sense of achievement with what you produce.”

LOOKING AHEAD

From photography to drama, from music to writing, these projects have supported a diverse range of people – helping them feel heard, valued and inspired. Thanks to Garfield Weston Foundation, we are continuing to grow this work across the North West, ensuring creativity reaches the people who need it most.

Nicky Goulder ~ Founding Chief Executive