Author: communications

SOLVEIG HERZUM ~ NURTURING TALENT 2024/25 cohort

Posted on October 3, 2024 by communications - Stories

SOLVEIG HERZUM ~ NURTURING TALENT 2024/25

Nurturing Talent is Create’s 12-month part-time professional development programme for emerging artists. Designed and delivered in close consultation with our professional artists, it is now in its ninth year. During 2024/25, it is upskilling five emerging artists from a range of disciplines, providing them with training and experience so they can develop their creative workshop facilitation skills in diverse and challenging settings. By working alongside our professional artists, they are also giving our participants access to high quality creative arts experiences.

We spoke with Solveig, a London-based documentary filmmaker, writer and director, halfway through the Nurturing Talent programme. She told us about how it has influenced her facilitation skills as well as her own artistic development.

DEVELOPING SKILLS TO WORK WITH DIFFERENT PARTICIPANT GROUPS

“Nurturing Talent has really helped me develop my facilitation skills. Specifically, it has helped to develop my skills, capacities and sensitivities around working with different high-demand participant groups. For example, I had never worked in [Special Needs] school settings or with young carers before.

“I’ve been encouraged to reflect a lot on my role as a facilitator and the space that I create for the participants. I’ve learned specifically about how to craft a space for participants that is both safe, and encourages them out of their comfort zone.

“We’ve also reflected on the ultimate goals of the workshops we lead and how to design them in a way that guides participants toward achieving those outcomes.”

LEARNING FROM CREATE ARTISTS

“Learning from the Create artists has been lovely because I’ve built some really meaningful connections. The very first workshop I assisted on was with [theatre maker and puppeteer] Robyn Olivia. She participated in the Nurturing Talent programme [in 2021/22], so she was very much a peer who I was able to learn from.

“For my next project I worked with Cheryl Moskowitz [a writer who has been working with Create for almost 20 years]. Cheryl is a veteran of workshop leading. We developed a lovely relationship and she’s become someone I can really look up to. We actually met up recently in Philadelphia this summer as we were both there.

“Through these experiences, I’ve been able to develop both peer and mentor relationships with the artists I’ve worked with. I can see reflections of myself in my peers, building friendships, while also seeing how my career could evolve in the next 20 years.”

HAS THE PROGRAMME INFLUENCED YOUR OWN ARTISTIC PRACTICE?

“My artform is documentary filmmaking and it’s all about relating to people in the real world. The Nurturing Talent programme has developed my communication skills and my ability to connect with the sort of people who might eventually be in a film of mine. It has deepened my cultural awareness. For example, I now have an understanding of the lived experience of young carers, having worked with a group from Carers’ Hub Lambeth. This knowledge will influence my future work as a documentary filmmaker.

“Facilitating filmmaking workshops for others has also really made me reflect on the craft of filmmaking and storytelling. For example, some participants struggled with how to make a story clear to an audience. This made me think about how I approach clarity in my own professional work. It’s helped me see that there are still things I have to come to grips with in my practice.

Lastly, being involved in projects outside my artform has really benefitted my creativity. For example, doing drama or puppetry workshops reminded me of the joy of creating things that aren’t real. That has made me think about my own documentary work and reflect that filmmaking doesn’t always have to be real or super journalistic. It has helped me see how to expand the potential of storytelling in my own work.

“Overall, Nurturing Talent is just a lovely balance of support and challenge. I feel very nurtured.”
SOLVEIG HERZU

Prisoners on Create projects win SEVEN prized Koestler Awards

Posted on August 30, 2024 by communications - News

Prisoners on Create projects win SEVEN prized Koestler Awards

I am delighted to share the wonderful news that prisoners who participated in four Create prison programmes during 2023/24 — Free Inside, Inside Change, Inside Stories, and My Dad’s in Prison — have been recognised with seven prestigious Koestler Awards.

These awards, presented by Koestler Arts, a charity dedicated to recognising and showcasing artwork by prisoners, detainees, and secure patients, celebrate the power of creativity within the prison community.

We are proud that a poetry collection entitled “Primrose and F-Wing,” created during our Free Inside project at women’s prison HMP Low Newton, has won a Gold Award. This collection offers a moving exploration of personal experiences and emotions, highlighting the profound impact of poetry as a tool for self-expression.

In the Radio & Podcast Production category, the production “Plain Jane,” created at HMP Low Newton during Inside Change received a Silver Award. This compelling work showcases the participants’ exceptional storytelling abilities.

Three radio dramas — “Bang Tidy,” “Inherited Identity,” and “May Contain Nuts” — have been recognised with Highly Commended Awards in the Radio & Podcast Production category. “Bang Tidy” was written in HMP Low Newton, while “Inherited Identity” and “May Contain Nuts,” were developed at HMP Styal, also part of the women’s estate. All these productions showcase participants profound creativity, which was nurtured during Inside Change, a programme that develops financial literacy skills through radio drama.

“Everybody should be able to be creative and find [their] own creative side (everyone has one!). The opportunity to find that is phenomenal. I feel so happy! Proud! It makes you feel free. To create the work we’ve made takes you away from prison.”
Larissa, a free inside particpant

Finally, in the Arts Project category, “Dad’s do Stories” and “It’s Not Forever,” illustrated storybooks created by fathers during Inside Stories and My Dad’s in Prison respectively at HMP Oakwood, each received a Commended Award. “It’s Not Forever,” vividly captures the realities faced by families affected by incarceration. Participant, Ryan, reflected on the emotional journey:

“This project has been emotional. It’s nice that we all share that with each other. We’ve all got to know each other a bit better on the wing as well. Not everybody is in touch with their emotional side. It’s all a bit macho in prison. But I think if you want to be upset, you should be upset. We cry. I’ve cried on a visit before.”
Ryan, my dad’s in prison participant

At Create, we believe that everyone should have access to the creative arts. Creativity has the ability to enhance wellbeing, build confidence, and improve mental health. It allows us to express ourselves and envision new possibilities. Through our prison programmes, inmates not only discover their creative potential but also gain vital skills that help to support their reintegration into society.

As always, I would like extend my gratitude to the funders of these projects. Inside Change was funded by Santander UK Foundation Limited. Inside Stories was funded by 29th May Charitable Trust, Clifford Chance Foundation and John Stewart Memorial. My Dad’s in Prison was funded by The Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation, Edward Cadbury Trust, Elle (via HMP Oakwood), The Leigh Trust, and The Michael and Shirley Hunt Charitable Trust.

Furthermore, I extend this gratitude to our professional artists, and staff team for making these innovative projects possible, and to the prisons that continue to welcome us through their doors.

Nicky Goulder, Founding Chief Executive

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THE CREATIVE ARTS AND THE COST OF LIVING

Posted on August 21, 2024 by communications - Blogs

CREATIVE ARTS AND THE COST OF LIVING

Since 2022, the cost of living in the UK has surged, severely impacting the arts sector and broader creative industries. In its newly published The State of the Arts report, Campaign for The Arts reported that local government revenue funding for culture and related services decreased by 29% in Scotland, 40% in Wales, and 48% in England.

In our 2023 Create/Jacksons of Yorkshire survey, we found that 27% of Brits identified lack of money as a barrier to being more creative. Our projects reach those who have least access, focusing on engaging the UK’s most marginalised participants in inspiring, sustainable arts initiatives in areas where provision is poor and engagement in the arts is low.

Access to the creative arts is essential, offering numerous life-enriching benefits. As the Creative Health Review highlights in its report, the arts build social cohesion, improve health conditions, enhance quality of life and improve mental health and brain health.

We spoke with Create participants about the impact of the cost-of-living increases on their lives and the benefits our projects have provided.

BARRIERS TO THE ARTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGAGING

Elizabeth, an adult carer from Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre, and Cindy, an adult carer from Harrow, who took part in our creative:voices programme, opened up about their experiences with money.

Elizabeth: “There are barriers that stop me from being creative, like time and money. It’s very expensive, particularly if you’re on a pension or you’ve had to give up work. The Carer’s Allowance is next to nothing, so affording to do things that are for you is not really a priority.”

Cindy: “Projects like this help [carers] to meet one another because we are isolated in what we do. We’re at home a lot of the time and, because we have very little money, some of us can’t go out and socialise. It costs a lot of money to take care of children who have disabilities. Therefore, projects like this one are perfect. If I’d had to pay for it, I’d really have thought twice. When I found out the project was free, I was amazed.

“The project [I took part in] was ceramics. We used self-hardening clay, which is brilliant because you can see the results immediately and you get a real sense of achievement.”

Elizabeth: “I have really tried to engage with all the different Create projects and found that I liked things that I didn’t think I would like. I think it’s important because it gets people together [who] wouldn’t necessarily have opportunities to meet. It goes across class, gender, age. I’m not particularly sociable. I don’t have any family, so it’s just us on our own. I’ve learnt that I can be a bit more sociable. I think I need people and connection a bit more than I think I do. It does do you good.”

creative:voices is funded by The Smiles Fund, awarding funds from Walkers and Comic Relief. Learn more about creative:voices here.

HOW CREATE PROJECTS BOOST CONFIDENCE AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS

Avita, a young carer from Bromley, and Kai, a young carer from Romsey, took part in our creative financial literacy programme, change:matters. They spoke to us about their experiences and knowledge of money and how change:matters brought joy and understanding.

Avita: “It’s really expensive, life now! Every time we go out, I want to get things, but now I realise that every little thing adds up. I really enjoyed learning about money, the way it works, how much things really cost and just adding it all up. By the end of the year, it could cost so much. [The project] is going to help when we’re older, knowing about how things cost, and how to budget.”

Kai: “With how life’s going now, it’s got to be one of the most crucial things to learn because if we don’t know much about money, things will get a lot worse.

“The best way to learn is practically. You engage, and actually feel like you’re learning a lot more than if you’re just being talked at. [change:matters was] a nice balance between information and doing something creative. I think it should be more common, more people should learn about money.”

Avita: “I’ve enjoyed that I’ve made some friends and [the project] has given me a confidence boost with my music skills. I think this might make me start going to school [music] lessons. It’s quite fun working with other people who I don’t know.”

Kai: “The project itself was epic. I enjoy doing creative things. Doing it with friends, learning new things and meeting new people overall it was one of the best things ever. I think it’s a brilliant thing to learn, especially with how I learned it. You gotta live life creatively.”

change:matters is funded by The Chartered Accountants’ Livery Charity. Learn more about change:matters here.

White Stuff and Create partner to tackle loneliness and isolation

Posted on August 21, 2024 by communications - News

White Stuff and Create partner to tackle loneliness and isolation

We are excited to announce that Create is the new charity partner of creative lifestyle brand White Stuff.

The partnership aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among children and adults across the UK by supporting Create’s free creative arts projects, from music and dance, to painting, photography and drama.

According to the Office for National Statistics, almost four million UK adults experience chronic loneliness. New data from Create, however, suggests that creative projects can play a positive role in reducing isolation, with 98% of those who took part in our Create projects saying they felt more connected to others, and 96% reporting feeling less isolated as a result.

To support the launch of the partnership, White Stuff has created limited edition tote bags designed in collaboration with illustrator Tony Green, which will be sold across the retailer’s stores and online with 100% of profits donated to Create projects.

To help raise awareness of the issue of loneliness and the support available through Create, White Stuff has dedicated a window display in its Exeter store to the partnership, featuring artwork from Create participants and illustrator Tony Green.

Last month, adult carers in Lambeth came together to create intricate mandala designs in a Create workshop, each woven to reflect their personal journey and how art has played a role in their lives. These stunning pieces are now proudly displayed in White Stuff’s shop window, serving as a testament to the power of creativity.

Jo Jenkins, CEO of White Stuff, commented: “Creativity and self-expression are part of our DNA at White Stuff. Our unique, thoughtful designs are what stand us apart from the crowd, so Create is the perfect charity partner for us. We are proud to be partnering with them to help fund creative arts experiences for adults and children experiencing loneliness and isolation in the communities that we operate in. The UK is facing a loneliness epidemic and the repercussions can be devastating, but creativity can play an important role in bringing people together.”

Nicky Goulder, Founding CEO of Create, commented: “We fundamentally believe that people need to create. Creativity isn’t a rare talent – it’s an innate need that improves lives. When people are empowered to express their creativity, it helps them feel more fulfilled, develop skills, and improve wellbeing, connectivity and belonging. But too many people don’t have access to creativity. And often it is people who are already marginalised who lack opportunities to engage in creative activities.”

We are delighted to be working with White Stuff as the company’s new charity partner, which will enable us to provide increasing numbers of free high-quality creative arts experiences for those who need them most.
Nicky Goulder, FOunding CEO of Create

Tom, a Create participant from Salford, added: “I have learnt a lot. It has also lifted up my morale. Because the teams are so warm and friendly and skilful at talking to people, it has uplifted me psychologically. Doing something creative always feels good because it builds your confidence. It’s a very good experience working with the group because it stops you feeling lonely, we all help each other. It’s a very friendly small society.”

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Create Patron Isy Suttie SHARES HER PASSION FOR reading and creativity

Posted on August 12, 2024 by communications - Blogs

Create Patron Isy Suttie SHARES HER PASSION FOR reading and creativity

Create is delighted to have partnered with The Reading Agency for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. This is delivered with public libraries across the UK to inspire children aged between 4-11 to read for fun over the summer holidays. We developed this year’s theme “Marvellous Makers” together to encourage children to express themselves creatively.

We’re excited that our Patron – comedian, actress and author Isy Suttie – agreed to be one of the Champions of the Summer Reading Challenge. An avid reader as well as author, she believes passionately in the wonder of being absorbed in books.

We asked Isy to share with us what reading means to her and why fostering creativity is so important.

What about this year’s Summer Reading Challenge has inspired you the most?

The selection of books is fantastic! I was bowled over by the standard and diversity of the selection – there truly is something for everyone.

Why is reading important to you?

Reading is something that is a constant friend. I’m always reading at least two books and I love that I have an inner life, which is always thinking about the storylines and characters no matter what’s going on in my real life. I think reading encourages wonder, empathy and self-awareness as well as being a thrilling activity.

What is a book that has inspired you to be creative?

There’s a book called A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, which I will always remember. In some ways it is very simple and in others it is incredibly complex – it explores a young boy’s grief in such a nuanced, brave way. It made me realise there are so many different ways to tell a story.

Why should children/young people read it?

I think we as adults, unless we are lucky enough to have the time and space to read daily, can forget how much books transport us away as children and how much they can teach us about the way other people think, other countries and cultures, and how they can open us up to possibility.

Why is it important to foster creativity at an early age?

If we give ourselves this space as young people, it’s much more likely that creativity becomes something we practise as we get older. Even a few minutes a day can elicit massive changes. I also think creativity can help with hope in difficult and traumatic situations, and in this sense it’s like a superfood we must gobble down when we get the chance.

The Summer Reading Challenge is currently taking place across Britain. Find out about the children’s books that inspire four of our Create Artists here; and head over the Challenge website to find out more.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE: FOUR CREATE ARTISTS SHARE FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Posted on August 12, 2024 by communications - Blogs

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE: FOUR CREATE ARTISTS SHARE FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS

We have partnered with The Reading Agency for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, designed to ignite children’s imaginations and foster creativity through the joy of reading.

This year’s Challenge theme is ‘Marvellous Makers’, encouraging children to explore new stories, join free library activities, and express creativity through various art forms. Our own professional Create artists have designed seven creative activities accompanying this year’s Challenge, from junk modelling to music, dance to drawing and painting.

We asked four of these inspirational artists – Alejandra Carles-Tolra, Beth Coleman, Rachel McGivern, and Paul Pickford – to share their favourite books and share how these stories inspire their creativity, showcasing the magical link between reading and artistic expression.

ALEJANDRA CARLES-TOLRA (PHOTOGRAPHER)

What is a book that inspires you?

“Press Here, by Herve Tullet”

How has it inspired your creative practice?

“With my artistic practice, I encourage myself and others to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. What I love about this book is that it turns simple circles into something really fun and exciting.”

Why should children read it?

“It demonstrates how simple it can be to be creative and use your imagination. It shows that you can have fun with anything in life.”

www.alejandractr.com

BETH COLEMAN (DANCER)

What is a book that inspires you?

“Dr. Seuss: Oh, the Places you’ll Go!”

How has it inspired your creative practice?

“I love the words and rhythm in this book. The language and illustrations conjure up amazing imagery in my head of this fun, outrageous and unpredictable story.

“It encourages me to think bigger when creating work, not take the obvious choice, and that any idea is worth exploring, even if it leads nowhere – I would have learnt something along the way which will be useful when I least expect it.

“I find it especially inspiring when I’m having a block. As an artist, this can feel scary but this book reminds me that it is completely normal and happens to everyone. Waiting just around the corner is a moment of brilliance (or an elephant on skates!) and I just need to trust I will find it when it’s right.”

Why should children read it?

“It’s easy to think that everybody else has it all figured out, especially when we feel like we don’t. But this book is a great reminder that life doesn’t follow a straight line, and there will be many twists and turns along the way. And who knows what magic awaits!”

‘You’re off to great places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So … get on your way!’ – Dr. Seuss

@bethcolemanuk

RACHEL MCGIVERN (VISUAL ARTIST)

What is a book that inspires you?

“I really love the book Beastly Tales from Here and There by Vikram Seth, which I was given a copy of as a child.”

How has it inspired your artistic practice?

“I ended up studying illustration at university because I was really inspired by seeing how illustrations can add excitement and interest to stories.

“The copy of Beastly Tales from Here and There I own has small, beautiful ink illustrations of animals with funny expressions and a sense of playfulness. I always try to bring energy into the art I make, and love using materials like ink, paint, pencils and collage as they look handmade and unique.”

Why should children read it?

“The book is made up of funny short stories, which rhyme, with lots of cheeky animals and characters.

Vikram Seth was inspired by fables from lots of different countries about animals – India, China, Greece, Ukraine – and he’s even made up his own stories about the Land of Gup.

I think this book is a good reminder that we can be playful with storytelling, come up with our own versions of old stories and also use art and drawing to bring them to life.”

@rachmcgivern

PAUL PICKFORD (VISUAL ARTIST)

What is a book that inspires you?

“A book that inspired and inspires me is The Iron Man by Ted Hughes.”

How has it inspired your creative practice?

“It inspired my artistic practice by being full of cool, weird and mysterious imagery and ideas. Also, the copy that I first read at school had brilliant illustrations that didn’t show too much but worked with your imagination. For example, the artwork showed the size of the space/bat/angel/dragon without any detail of precisely what it looked like. A great example of what illustrations should do, working with the words and not replacing or repeating them. On reflection, early in the story The Iron Man makes himself, which would have fuelled my model making and sculpture ideas.”

Why should children read it?

“I think it will intrigue and inspire them and for the best reason – it’s fun!”

@pickford7076 @paulpickford7076

Our Patron Isy Suttie has also shared a favourite children’s book with us and why she thinks creativity is so important. You can head over to her interview here.

RADIO DRAMA HELPS STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS EXPRESS THEMSELVES

Posted on July 24, 2024 by communications - Stories

RADIO DRAMA HELPS STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS EXPRESS THEMSELVES

changing:minds is Create’s multi-artform project for pupils with special educational needs (SEND) in Harrow. The project is designed to give the children and their teachers access to the benefits of high-quality creative arts activities.

For six weeks between April and June 2024, Create artist James Baldwin delivered radio drama workshops at Shaftesbury High School (SHS).

We spoke to Elisa, a teacher at SHS, about the main benefits of changing:minds for the participants, and the longer-term legacy of Create’s work at the school.

“My group of students has been taking part in a radio drama project for the last few weeks. Our theme has been around diversity and being different. First, the children took part in drama activities, which helped them to bond as a group and get comfortable with each other. Then they created characters that explore and celebrate being different. They created a really colourful and beautiful collage, but also a radio drama using their recorded voices.

The project has helped their wellbeing because it has given them space to make themselves vulnerable and open up.

“Having that space to make yourself vulnerable, but feel confident at the same time is really important.”

WHAT SKILLS DID THE YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP?

“It’s helped with their social skills. They’ve definitely bonded more as a group. They feel comfortable enough to laugh with each other.

“For our students, it’s quite difficult to have new people to come in and work with them. So, the fact they’ve been attentive and have followed instructions, and felt comfortable with you, has been really beneficial. It’s a very positive thing that they were engaged and willing to take part, and that they were all in a space where they [were] ready to learn and focus.

And then the confidence they found when speaking and the power in their voice has been such a positive takeaway.

“They were really confident when they recorded their [radio drama] piece towards the end of the project. It’s hard to like the sound of your own voice, but watching them today, I think they were all pleased with it. There wasn’t any silliness or anyone saying ‘you sound silly’. It was just really positive. It’s the little things like that, that really matter. That’s why this project is so important and very beneficial.”

the benefits of creativity

It helps their communication, it makes them feel valued, it gives them a sense of belonging, and a way to express [themselves] in a space where they feel safe and accepted.

“They have enjoyed being creative because it’s not structured. They’ve produced everything themselves. It’s their own ideas, it’s their own expression, it’s their own thought process.

“I can think of a thousand things to say as to [why it’s important to be creative]. I’m really passionate about creative arts for young people and particularly for young people with SEND.

“It helps their communication, it makes them feel valued, it gives them a sense of belonging, and a way to express [themselves] in a space where they feel safe and accepted. And I think that’s what this project has been all about and that’s why it’s so important.”

HOW CHANGING:MINDS HAS BENEFITED SHAFTESBURY HIGH SCHOOL

“I would say that [Create] are vital to our school. It’s a wonderful project and we’re so lucky to have access to what you do and the different variety of what’s on offer within creative arts. And to work with professionals. You’re so skilled and in tune with SEND children and you know exactly where and how to pitch everything. It’s so niche, but you really know how to do what you do and it’s been fantastic. It would be very sad not to have you come in and work with us every year. It truly is a huge, huge benefit to our school.

“I loved some of the drama games and I’ve actually stolen a few of those [for my own teaching], because they were really good. And they really resonated with the children because they were going on about it all week. It made an impression.

“[changing:minds has] given them access to things they wouldn’t normally do. That’s what’s really good. That’s key.”

WHAT IS THE LEGACY OF CHANGING:MINDS?

“I think the legacy [of the project] is the impact. You’ve just got to look at the children and what they’ve produced week on week and how they’ve built on knowledge and skills and I think that’s it right there, to be honest.”

changing:minds was funded by John Lyon’s Charity.

THE CREATIVE ARTS AND EDUCATION

Posted on July 24, 2024 by communications - Stories, Blogs

THE CREATIVE ARTS AND EDUCATION

Creativity in education significantly enhances students’ learning experiences and overall development. At Create, our programmes, led by professional artists, offer participants high-quality creative arts experiences. Research by Linearity shows that participation in art-based programmes positively impacts academic achievements, and correlates with higher student engagement, increased confidence, and a strong desire to learn. After engaging in creativity, students become more responsible for their learning, feel confident mastering complex material, and are willing to take risks.

Staff members at the special needs schools that have taken part in Create projects shared with us the significant educational benefits their students gained from engaging with creative arts activities.

IMPROVING STUDENTS’ ENGAGEMENT

Charlotte, a teacher at Forster Park Primary School in the London Borough of Lewisham, took part in creative:connection, our programme that brings together disabled and non-disabled children.

“The project was stop motion animation. It was all about the mixing of [students from our school and Greenvale School], making connections with each other, enjoying creating their visual artworks together and having that sense of belonging.

“Our pupils got along fantastically. They were very patient and very accommodating. They’ve taken those skills away too. They can be very patient with each other and accommodating of everyone’s needs.

“We’ve got one child in particular who really struggles to stay in his classroom. Yesterday he had the best day ever. He did all his work, he stayed in class, he became a helper for the teacher and everything. All because he’s learnt things from these [workshops]. He’s become a lot more considerate within the classroom. He is able to let other people have a turn. And he’s been sitting for periods of time.”

Developing Essential Skills Through Creative Arts

environment:matters is our environmental project with schoolchildren who have special educational needs. We spoke to teacher Serena about the project that took place at Haymerle School. This was designed to upskill and empower the children through music.

“The independence skills and the [children’s] engagement and focus has been the biggest development. It’s been amazing seeing them. For example, some children only came for two minutes the first week, and then were there for 20 minutes eight weeks later. That is a massive improvement for our children. This might normally take months or years for them to do. It was pretty impressive.

They worked really well together and it was nice seeing relationships develop.

“Even the bickering and arguing was nice to see, as it’s a very neurotypical thing to bicker. And they were appreciating each other’s work and praising each other at the exhibition, which was just lovely.”

We would like to thank Kusuma Trust for funding this creative:connection project and BNP Paribas for funding environment:matters.

Create shortlisted for Mental Health Awards

Posted on July 15, 2024 by communications - News, Blogs

Create shortlisted for Mental Health Awards

I am delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards 2024.

Our creative:voices programme has been shortlisted in the Innovative Proactive Wellbeing category, which is designed to celebrate innovative wellbeing interventions or activities that have had a positive impact over at least two years.

creative:voices is Create’s multi-artform programme that offers adult carers the opportunity to take a creative break from their responsibilities, foster trusting relationships, and cultivate new skills, interests, and confidence. Each project empowers carers to explore their creativity and self-expression through high-quality creative arts workshops led by our professional artists. They are given a chance to meet others and boost their mental wellbeing through music, dance, painting, photography, drama and a host of other artforms.

The impact of caring on mental health

Adult carers provide unpaid care for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. The impact of caring goes beyond “just” a commitment of time and energy: many carers also experience social isolation and believe that their physical and emotional health has been negatively affected by their responsibilities.

A 2023 Carers UK report on carers’ health found that a significant proportion of carers said their mental health has been affected by caring: 79% of carers feel stressed or anxious, 49% feel depressed, and 50% feel lonely. 61% of carers said they needed more support to be able to look after their health and wellbeing.

“Projects like this help carers with our mental health. They give us somewhere to go. There’s a lot of fear. You don’t really know what we’re suffering because we’re all in houses by ourselves. We’re all in isolated little pockets, so unless we come together, we don’t know what’s happening for other people.” – Adult carer Renee

Improving mental wellbeing through the creative arts

The positive impact of creativity and arts engagement on mental health and overall wellbeing has been firmly established by decades of research. In 2019, the World Health Organisation reported that 3,500 studies had shown the widespread health improvements that came from arts engagement, from neurological disorders to child development.

We designed creative:voices to alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance mental health and wellbeing, enriching carers’ sense of belonging in their community and increasing their confidence in themselves and their abilities.

“I enjoyed the project and found it therapeutic. It always brightened my day when I came here. You don’t know what creativity you have until you try it.”
Adult carer Lia

We piloted the project in 2011 with Carers Lewisham. The pandemic highlighted as never before the inequalities and isolation faced by adult carers and, thanks to a significant three year grant in 2022 from the Comic Relief/Walkers Smiles Fund for projects improving mental wellbeing, were able to expand creative:voices to nine services that year. The programme has continued to expand: projects with 18 services are being planned for 2024/25.

We are thrilled that the creative arts are being recognised as a powerful tool for enhancing mental wellbeing through this shortlisting of creative:voices.

“The sessions always bring out the better version of me. It affords me the “me” I crave. It is time used to realise my abilities with my caring role. I thoroughly enjoy being in the company of other carers and I can share without being judged.” – Adult carer

Nicky Goulder, Founding Chief Executive

Summer Reading Challenge brings creativity to children across Britain

Posted on July 12, 2024 by communications - News, Blogs

Summer Reading Challenge brings creativity to children across Britain

Create is delighted to be partnering with The Reading Agency for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which aims to fire up children’s imaginations and unleash creativity through the power of reading.

The Challenge launched on 22 June in Scotland and online and 6 July in England and Wales, during Create Week. Create worked closely with The Reading Agency to develop the theme for this year’s Challenge – ‘Marvellous Makers’ – and we’re very excited to see children across the country exploring their creative side this summer.

The annual Challenge, which aims to inspire children aged between 4-11 to read for fun over the summer holidays, is delivered in partnership with public libraries, and it’s free to take part. From June to September, children taking part in ‘Marvellous Makers’ can discover new stories, join in with free activities at the library, and explore their creativity – from junk modelling to music, dance to drawing and painting. This year’s bespoke illustrations are created by celebrated illustrator Natelle Quek. Taking place in libraries and online, the Summer Reading Challenge provides the perfect opportunity for active minds to explore, imagine, and create in a supportive and engaging environment.

This year’s ‘Marvellous Makers’ theme will inspire children’s inner storytellers, motivating them to be curious and to tell their own stories through various creative outlets. As part of the partnership, Create’s artists have developed seven creative activities involving different artforms that children can engage with wherever they are and become ‘Marvellous Makers’ themselves.

Nicky Goulder, Founding CEO of Create, said: “This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to bring creativity to young people across the country. People need to create, and everyone deserves access to the life-enhancing power of the creative arts. ‘Marvellous Makers’ brilliantly combines the joy of reading and the wonder of creativity, providing young people with new opportunities to express themselves. We couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.”

Leading names in the creative arts are supporting the initiative as Challenge Champions including actor, TV presenter, musician and author Jordan Stephens, Welsh Laureate and children’s author Alex Wharton, and our very own Create Patron, comedian, actress, and author Isy Suttie.

Speaking about the Challenge, Isy Suttie said: “I was incredibly chuffed to be asked to become a Summer Reading Challenge Champion. Reading has always formed the backbone of my life and I believe passionately that it does wonders for us as humans to be truly absorbed in a book – one of the reasons being a Create Patron is so important to me. A book you adore can provide excitement, solace and strength.”

The Summer Reading Challenge aims to prevent the “summer dip” learning loss many children experience over the holidays when they aren’t in school. In 2023, over 685,000 children across the UK participated.

Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge sparks children’s creativity and imagination through reading. Developed with Create, this year’s ‘Marvellous Makers’ theme will inspire kids’ inner storytellers and makers. We’re thrilled to work with libraries to provide an engaging environment for exploring new ideas through books and activities.”

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge