One of the most fulfilling experiences I have as an artist is the chance to co-create with
communities, bringing their collective stories and perspectives to life through art. There’s
something compelling about working with a group of people to craft a piece of artwork that
reflects their unique identity and shared experiences. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of
leading several community-driven projects, each one leaving a lasting impact on both the
participants and myself.
Here are some highlights of community projects I have worked on.
1. Wishing Tree Project, planting seeds for change: In collaboration with The Lowry, Salford CVS
family hubs, and Salford Council, we embarked on the Wishing Tree Project—a powerful initiative
that encouraged community members to plant seeds of change. This project was all about
envisioning a brighter future and symbolising that vision through a collective artistic effort.
2. Lowry Young Artist Program: At The Lowry Theatre, I had the pleasure of leading a ten-week
program as part of the Lowry Young Artist initiative. This program was designed to help young
artists find their voice and build confidence in their creative abilities. The journey culminated in an
exhibition at The Lowry, where the students proudly showcased artwork that truly represented their
beliefs and artistic vision.
3. Burnley Youth Theatre: ‘Home is Where the Art Is’: Working with Burnley Youth Theatre, we
reflected on the theatre’s 50-year archive, co-creating an art installation that captured the essence of
those decades. This installation, born from the students’ perspectives and creativity, is now set to go
on tour, sharing their vision with a wider audience.
4. Travel Safety Project – Oasis Academy, Commissioned by Manchester City Council, I
collaborated with students at Oasis Academy on a Travel Safety campaign. Together, we explored
how to make public transport safer in Salford, turning their ideas and concerns into a vibrant,
impactful campaign.
In each of these projects, my role is to serve as a conduit for the community’s stories, perspectives,
and voices. Through mind mapping and collaborative brainstorming, we channel these collective
ideas into a colourful and meaningful work of art. By the end of each project, participants are not
only confident and engaged but also deeply proud of the piece they’ve created together. It’s a
beautiful process of coming together as a collective, creating something that resonates with the
entire community and stands as a testament to their shared values and aspirations.
The benefits of communities engaging in art
Engaging in art as a community offers profound benefits that extend far beyond the creative process
itself. One of the most powerful aspects is how it helps individuals find and use their voice. Initially,
many people in my sessions feel hesitant or shy, unsure if their thoughts and opinions are valid. But
very quickly, they come to understand that this is a safe space—where no answer is wrong and
every perspective is valued. This experience is transformative, allowing participants to build
confidence and feel truly connected to something bigger than themselves.
Art also provides a unique way for people to explore their own experiences and what matters most
to them. Through creative practices like mind mapping and open conversation, they exercise their
creative thinking and gain new insights into their lives and the world around them.
Perhaps most importantly, art fosters unity behind a meaningful message. When people come
together to create, they find common ground and a shared purpose, which can be incredibly
powerful in bringing communities closer together.
Interactive art projects that empower communities
School murals Paul Hamlin project the Human rights project I worked with Schools in Greater
Manchester to create art around Poems they had created on Human Rights.
Community projects – In the next few weeks I am going to be working with ‘Art with Heart’
working with a community group for six weeks understanding what they have in their community
and what is missing we are going to be mind-mapping the project together and creating art to
represent how everyone is feeling.
Illustrations and designs for positive impact organisations – I created an illustration for the Self-Love
The project, my artwork was focused on self-love, self-nature and being kind to oneself. The benefits of communities engaging in art
Who Can Benefit from Interactive Art Projects:
Community Members:
Engaging in art that reflects their shared experiences and values.
Students and Young Artists: Gaining confidence, creative skills, and a platform to express
themselves.
Local Organisations and Councils: Strengthening community ties and promoting positive change
through collaborative initiatives.
Interactive art projects that empower communities
Empowerment: Participants find their voice and contribute meaningfully to the artwork.
Connection: A sense of belonging and unity through collective creativity.
Confidence: Building self-assurance by seeing their ideas come to life in a tangible, public way.
Pride: A deep sense of accomplishment in creating something that represents their community.
Discuss your community project by getting in contact with me.