“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.”