Author: communications

“WE KNEW THE PROJECTS WOULD WORK BECAUSE THEY’RE BEING DELIVERED BY A TRUSTED ORGANISATION.” – AN INTERVIEW WITH FUNDER JOHN LYON’S CHARITY

Posted on September 25, 2024 by - Blogs, Stories

“WE KNEW THE PROJECTS WOULD WORK BECAUSE THEY’RE BEING DELIVERED BY A TRUSTED ORGANISATION”

John Lyon’s Charity (JLC), a grantmaker transforming the lives of young people by creating opportunities to learn, grow and develop through education, has supported Create’s work since 2013. Since then, with funding secured from JLC, Create launched changing:minds and community:matters,  reaching numerous disabled young people,  young carers and refugees in the funder’s priority geographical areas.

We spoke to Anna Hoddinott, Director of Communications & Strategic Grants at John Lyon’s Charity, about this valuable long-term partnership.

Create has a passion for interrogating its work and striving to be the best that it can be, combining diverse artforms, passion, drive, high-quality practitioners and rigorous evaluation all in one place. If a funder wants to fund really high-quality projects, then Create gives a lot of options.

Anna Hoddinott

Why did john lyon’s charity decide to start supporting create?

“There’s a lot of synergy between JLC’s values and those of Create. Create strives to evolve constantly, develop and hone its offerings. We see the value in Create’s approach and methodology; projects cross a multitude of different artforms and can be adapted to various audiences with various needs.”

WHY did you choose create to co-design programmes, changing:minds and community:matters?

“We have known Create for a considerable amount of time, which has enabled us as funders to believe in its ability to have the right impact and outcomes. Create’s openness and flexibility to develop programmes targeting priority groups and locations for JLC, made the charity an ideal partner. This flexibility put Create in a really strong position to secure funding for new projects: we knew the projects would work because they’re being delivered by a trusted organisation.”

Why do you think create’s work impacts the lives of children and young people?

“The positive impact starts from the beginning. Participants can choose the artform that most resonates with them, giving them agency over their experience. This element of co-creation is really empowering and gives a greater impact because participants know that they are taking part in something that they have chosen to do.

“It’s really important that the participants are not delivered to, but delivered with. That really comes across with the work that Create does; participants are encouraged to find their own way through projects, while being supported to engage as much as they are able. The projects I have visited are always really engaging for the participants. All of the young people seem to be really enthusiastic.

“On the whole, the impact on participants is huge. And not just in the moment, but also long after the end of the project, instilling confidence, a sense of wellbeing and all the positivity that engaging in arts projects can bring.”

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY?

“Creativity is fundamentally important for everybody. I think it’s important that creative arts are included in school curriculums, but they are so often overlooked in favour of more academic subjects. Having access to creativity and cultural capital can boost everybody’s mental wellbeing, helping people thrive emotionally, professionally, and in relationships. Creativity gives a mirror to see yourself reflected and a window to view the world through different perspectives. Being able to access creativity leads to a really well-rounded society with really healthy and grounded people within it.”

if another organisation was considering supporting create, what would you say to them?

“Do it! It’s difficult to find organisations that deliver such a range of activities, specialising in working with so many different participant groups, with such quality. Create has a passion for interrogating its work and striving to be the best that it can be, combining diverse artforms, passion, drive, high-quality practitioners and rigorous evaluation all in one place. If a funder wants to fund really high-quality projects, then Create gives a lot of options.”

GRANT FROM THE Linbury Trust ENABLES Create to expand access TO CREATIVITY in the North West

Posted on September 25, 2024 by - News

GRANT FROM THE Linbury Trust ENABLES Create to expand access TO CREATIVITY in the North West

I am delighted to announce that The Linbury Trust has awarded Create a grant of £150,000 over three years to support the expansion of our work in the North West of England (NW) and beyond between 2024 and 2027. This incredible grant will enable us to extend our programme, taking the power of creativity to increasing numbers of those children and adults in the region who need it most.

Expanding our reach in the NW, a region with multiple areas of high deprivation and low arts engagement, is a key strategic objective for Create. Since launching our Manchester hub in 2021, we have increased our work there, with 21% of all Create workshops now taking place across the NW region.

On awarding the grant, Stuart Hobley, Director of The Linbury Trust, commented: “We’re pleased to be supporting Create and its programme in the North West, working with local people and artists to encourage and excite involvement in a wide range of creativity, and the deep, lasting value arts can play in everyday life.”

THE NEED IN THE NORTH WEST

Create’s NW hub is enabling us to access many areas in the first and second most deprived deciles according to the Multiple Deprivation Indices. Having a presence in the region makes it possible for us to deliver our entire portfolio of projects in the area (as it does in London) in the most cost-effective, efficient way. It also provides high quality work to professional artists across the region.

Since launching our hub, we have established partnerships with 20 organisations across the region, delivering 602 workshops. These have reached 1,015 disadvantaged participants, positively impacting local communities.

Key relationships include Dementia Friendly Festival, Manchester City Council, Manchester Literature Festival and a wide range of community organisations, including mainstream/SEND schools; young/adult carer services; older people’s day centres; a prison; and an adolescent psychiatric hospital. We launched a new project with children looked after in April 2024.

“A participant made a comment at the end of the project that her family had commented on how much more relaxed and happy she appeared to be after the workshops, which took her mind off other difficult things in her life.”

Partner service staff

how grants are making a difference

“Before the project, I got stressed easily and I didn’t know what to do, but now I am calmer. This has really helped my stress recovery.” “I don’t have many opportunities to be creative, so I enjoyed doing it here.”

Participant

The grant from The Linbury Trust will contribute substantially to our continued expansion in the region, giving increasing numbers of vulnerable children and adults the opportunity to use the creative arts to build skills, make connections and enhance their wellbeing.

In addition, the funding will enable us to recruit further experienced professional artists to our diverse pool across a range of artforms. From 2025, it will also support an emerging artist in the NW to take part in our professional development programme, Nurturing Talent, giving them the skills and confidence to lead workshops in challenging community settings.

Our sincerest thanks to The Linbury Trust for investing in our participants, our professional artists and our key strategic aim of expanding creative arts access across the North West. We are excited about this important new partnership.

Nicky Goulder ~ Founding Chief Executive

PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIES

Our participants’ stories speak volumes about the life-changing effects of our programmes:

Volunteering at create

Posted on September 23, 2024 by - Blogs, Stories

Volunteering at create

Volunteering can be a powerful way to bring people together, strengthen communities, and inspire personal growth.

But don’t take our word for it — three of our volunteers have shared their own experiences, highlighting the personal rewards, the connections they’ve made, and the lasting memories they’ve created with Create.

We spoke to Ben from Reed Smith, who volunteered on our creative:release project, which empowers adult carers who attend Carers Centre Tower Hamlets. Harriet from Brown-Forman shared her experience of volunteering on art:links, a London-wide programme that engages vulnerable older people in creative arts. And Sheen from Ashurst reflected on their time on creative:engagement, our multi-artform project designed for older people living with dementia or mental ill health.

THE VALUE OF GIVING BACK

Harriet: “People can be so busy in work life, they don’t stop and think of others, or spend time helping others. People can get so wrapped up in the day-to-day. So, I think volunteering, and taking that time out to focus on something that’s for other people, is such a nice opportunity. Personally, it’s made me realise that I want to carry on giving back moving forward.”

Sheen: “I’ve got elderly relatives back home in Singapore. As I can’t be there to spend time with them, I wanted to spend time with people who might be feeling similar things. I wanted to give back in this way.”

the importance of creativity

Harriet: “I think [creativity] is important for a number of different reasons, especially from a work perspective. Some people think in a very tunnel visioned way and have a very set mindset. But when you take a step back and do something that’s creative, it really makes you think outside the box. And that encourages you to think like that in the workplace. It makes you break the mould of what you’re doing and look at alternative ways.”

Ben: “As corporate office professionals, we don’t necessarily get a chance to be creative in the workspace. [Taking part in this workshop] made me realise just how important taking that break from the screen actually is. I think having that break is so needed for mental health and your actual physical health.”

Harriet: “Art is really relaxing. It gives you that time to switch off and relax and immerse yourself into something that’s very fun and relaxing. And everyone’s perfect is so different, so it will never be perfect.”

DEVELOPING PERSONAL AND PROFFESSIONAL SKILLS

Sheen: “I think volunteering has definitely contributed to my personal and professional growth. I think something I’ve become better at through this experience is being a good listener. With the participants, they come from very different backgrounds from the clients we interact with day to day at a professional firm. It trains you to listen to a different, diverse group, so it rounds out my listening skills as a whole. Additionally, just being able to connect with these people also helps you to practice empathy. I think [volunteering] definitely makes you a more well-rounded person and it’s also good for your personal wellbeing.”

Ben: “Developing those interpersonal skills and having that personal connection was just lovely. There was one participant who was quite shy and kept herself to herself. But I sat down with her and we started building this lovely plasticine set of her house and her son, who she cares for. We got talking about the things her son loves to do, and how she cares for him. It was so nice to be a part of and to have her telling me about their life. At the end she was so proud of herself because she wasn’t a particularly artsy person. You could see the pride on her face and that it was such a cathartic experience for her. It was so nice to be a part of. I thought; ‘this is wonderful, this is what it’s all about.’”

the impact of volunteering at create

Ben: It was an absolute pleasure to take part and it left me feeling so good. This was such a nice thing to have done, I went to the project and came out of it and just had a smile on my face for the rest of the day. I was just glad I was able to give [Create’s participants] a hand and be part of something that they enjoyed.”

Sheen: “One of the participants opened up to me and shared about how much she really enjoys the sessions. She told me how much she looks forward to them and how it really makes her week and she gets really excited in the build-up. So, knowing that what we are doing really matters to the participants has been a key highlight for me. But even if we don’t hear it directly, we see it. We can see that they’re happy.”

Ben: “Because we [Reed Smith] have done so many projects with Create, you have a whole community of people who [have volunteered on projects]. I can turn around to someone on a different floor and ask how their week’s [volunteering] went. Even if I’ve only done one project, you do feel part of a wider community, and it’s such a nice feeling. Plus, it makes a nice break from talking about legal work at lunch!”

HOW CREATIVITY HAS IMPROVED BLAIR’S MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

Posted on September 23, 2024 by - Stories

HOW CREATIVITY HAS IMPROVED BLAIR’S MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

creative:tandem is our multi-artform project with young people admitted to mental health units due to serious conditions including psychotic, depressive, anxiety and eating disorders, self-harm or suicidal thinking. For five days in August 2024, Create artist Sarah Grant delivered visual art workshops at Galaxy House, an inpatient service in Manchester helping young people with a range of conditions including eating disorders, Pervasive Arousal Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), OCD and Psychosis.

We spoke to Blair (17) about her experience on this project. Blair was admitted to Galaxy House in May 2024.

Blair’s Story

“I have PAWS, which is Pervasive Arousal Withdrawal Syndrome, classified under FND (Functional Neurological Disorder). I have been in Galaxy House for nearly 18 weeks. I had appendicitis last year and then I was unable to walk and paralysed. We thought I was going to get better, so I was discharged. I had carers, all of that. But then my symptoms just regressed. I had a nasogastric tube and they were looking for external rehabilitation places. Galaxy House fitted my needs, it’s a very specialised facility. My symptoms have definitely improved here and I’ve obtained a much better quality of life.”

THE VISUAL ART WORKSHOP

“We’ve been doing various creative tasks for the week. We did some acrylic painting, art using nature as inspiration, experimental watercolours, clay modelling with terracotta clay, and spray painting. We were free to do whatever inspired us. I liked the free reign given to the young people and how it like dispels the conception that art has to be one specific thing.”

“Working as a group was quite fun. I think it showed the group’s dynamics in a very different way. Art can harness what others are feeling, which can be quite satisfying.”

THE joys of creating

“Being creative has made me feel very fulfilled because I can achieve something tangible, which is not linked to something academic. I think it’s good to have a safe space where you can contribute different creative ideas that don’t have to be intellectually judged.

“[When creating] I feel satisfied as it’s relaxing and very enjoyable.”

“It’s been nice that we had a whole week dedicated to different forms of art.”

TAKEAWAYS

“Taking part in this project, I learned that art can be quite relaxing and therapeutic and that it can also help with pain. Obviously, I rely on painkillers, but art can calm your body down, which is quite nice.”

“Projects like these can help people in hospital see a different perspective. We can see the beauty in the very mundane things through art. And it differentiates our days. It’s also nice informal environment. We can interact with nurses more casually, because they’re not writing notes on you.”

creative:tandem is funded by The Prudence Trust

Prisoners on Create projects win SEVEN prized Koestler Awards

Posted on August 30, 2024 by - 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.

picture of a person writing

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
an artwork from My Dad's In Prison

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

Read more about our prison projects

Help us to make the transformative power of creativity accessible to more prisoners.

Donate Now

£
Select Payment Method
Personal Info

Credit Card Info
This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.
Billing Details

Donation Total: £25.00

HOW PHOTOGRAPHY EMPOWERS CHILDREN LOOKED AFTER

Posted on August 27, 2024 by - Stories

HOW PHOTOGRAPHY EMPOWERS CHILDREN LOOKED AFTER

In May 2024, children looked after and care leavers in the London Borough of Waltham Forest took part in a three-day photography project led by Create’s professional photographer, Tracey Fahy.

This was part of our changing:spaces programme curated to turn blank spaces into inspirational places for work or play, using murals and other forms of visual art.

The May project was funded by Fitch Group and produced high quality artwork for its Canary Wharf office, centred around the theme of ‘Celebrating Diversity’.

The project offered a creative experience, enabling the young people to learn new skills, build friendships, develop confidence and self-esteem and have fun, enhancing their overall wellbeing.

We spoke to Isaac about his experience with the project.

LEARNING NEW SKILLS

“[During] the project that I took part in, we took pictures and learnt micro [photography] and street photography, where we went out on the streets and took pictures of people. It was a beautiful and fun experience. It’s something I haven’t done before, and I would never have done it [without this project]. It made me want to invest in my own camera.

“Using cameras just feels more real [than smart phones]. You really have to take into account what you’re taking a picture of. You take the pictures slowly, one by one. It’s more delicate and so you think about what you take more. It’s just like picking your own moments to capture.

“I created a photo of two people walking in front of a colourful building. They were walking at just the right speed, and I captured it at just the right time. It felt good. I had my zoom on, I had it ready, and then just as soon as they walked past, I hit the click and I got it at the right time.”

I want to carry on taking pictures. This was just a life-changing opportunity to have and I don’t take it for granted.

THE JOYS OF COLLABORATION AND CREATIVITY

“Everyone’s style was different. Some people liked taking pictures of everything, because they just loved the fascination of taking a picture. It was amazing working in a group. We just had fun. We all worked together, and we all made the time more enjoyable.”

When you are creative, you use your brain more and you can see how much more powerful your brain is.

“[Being creative] helps you not get anxious; it gives you a break from the real world. Because when you take pictures, it makes you feel like you’re in your own world.”

I learned that you can do whatever you want, if you believe in yourself. And taking pictures is not just about taking a picture, it’s making sure you capture the moment.

ARE YOU EXCITED TO EXHIBIT YOUR WORK AT FITCH OFFICES?

“I think it’s nice because it shows what we can do and what we have done. I am proud [that the artwork will be in Canary Wharf offices] because then they get to know that kids nowadays are not just all stuck to their phones. We can actually do other stuff and we can be artistic and we have creative minds. Because some people think all kids nowadays have no imagination. But technically, we have a good imagination, and that’s what putting these up in the offices is proving.”

Create filmmakers

Words from fitch

Fitch Volunteer: “Working with Create and Waltham Forest was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience. Seeing the enthusiasm the kids showed and how inspired they became during the photography workshop was truly heart-warming.”

Samantha Goober, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader and Consultant: “We want children to feel empowered through photography, enhancing their skills, development, and wellbeing. We are excited to showcase their art in our offices, celebrating their creativity and accomplishments.”

The project was funded by Fitch Group

THE CREATIVE ARTS AND THE COST OF LIVING

Posted on August 21, 2024 by - Blogs

CREATIVE ARTS AND THE COST OF LIVING

change matters surrey photography

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 - 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.”

JOIN US – SIGN UP TO E:CREATE

Stay connected with our mission by signing up for e:create, our monthly newsletter. Discover incredible stories of transformation and see beautiful artwork created by our participants.

Create Patron Isy Suttie SHARES HER PASSION FOR reading and creativity

Posted on August 12, 2024 by - Blogs, Stories

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 - Blogs, Stories

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.