Finding Your Creative Voice for Colours of Redbridge
Client: Colours of Redbridge
Partners: Redbridge Borough of London and the Arts Council England Creative People and Places Fund
Audience: Black and Asian Women of Redbridge aged 40 – 70 years of age approx. 15+
Commissioned to: Inspire participants to contribute creative writing and artwork towards an anthology project “Voices in Harmony” in March 2024.
Designed and delivered: A two part Mindful Past and Future workshop programme to help participants to relax, reengage with their senses, culture, memories, hopes in creative writing and artistic responses.
“No Black woman has ever written enough.”
Wellbeing Programme
Introduction and presentation – I presented how art, mindfulness and storytelling helps us to be our true selves and I shared my own story of burn out and wellbeing
Breathwork – To induce calm and relaxation
Movement – To relax the muscles and ease
Inspired literary and visual responses – Through stimulating mindful sensory exercises, I helped participants to write and draw themselves in the present.
Creative writing coaching – I supported participants to create Past and Present Self writings rooted in their unique sensory exploration, memory and imagination.
Collage art exploration – As a self-taught artist, I encouraged participants to respond to their Past and Future Self writing using materials and natural fibres of cultural significance.
Presentations and reflection – Participants were confident to share writings and artworks and contribute to the Voices in Harmony book.
Impact
Peace
.
Creativity
.
Pride
.
Peace . Creativity . Pride .
Participants reconnected to their inner creativity and confidence to share their stories whilst improving their wellbeing.
Many participants want to write more and this helped them not only write but to share themselves.
Testimonials
“Thank you so much for delivered such a warm, inviting and authentic session today.
Thank you so much for bringing your authentic self to the sessions. The feedback I have received says the women really enjoyed and were impacted by your sessions.”
“Since reaching out to work with Birungi, I have been interested in her work as an artist but also her focus on wellbeing and culture. After finally having her work on a project with Black Woman Kindness Initiative, I was able to see the atmosphere she brings to her sessions that transcends a simple visual workshop. The workshop was a healing space for all and left everyone feeling like they could creatively unwind without judgement.”