Illuminated Arts CIC showcased their new initiative Workshop In A Box at its end-of-year gathering at Salter Social Club, Bermondsey.
Melissa Jo and Rebecca, directors at Illuminated Arts CIC, have developed “community-centred arts and heritage projects that change people’s perspective, improves their sense of self, enhances their wellbeing and generates a sense of belonging and pride that benefits the whole community.”
In 2024, they held pocket-making workshops for people with dementia and memory loss. Tie-on pockets are hand-sewn and have historically been given to others as heirlooms. They often reflect the social histories of their makers and allow participants to express themselves creatively.
Illuminated Arts CIC has also worked with Lucy Eccles from Camberwell College of Art to create the Workshop in a Box (see image below), which enables other organisations to put on similar sessions. The development and prototype were funded by the Mayor of London’s BIG Growth innovation voucher and the Newable Open London Awards. The Workshop in a Box will be supplied as a subscription service for one-off or regular deliveries of kits containing all the materials and tools required to get people engaged in a selection of engaging accessible workshops ranging from textiles to paper crafts and pottery.
Mayor of Southwark Naima Ali also spoke at the event, commending the work of Illuminated Arts and Salter Social Club as well as promoting Walk With Naima, a campaign to raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Local music performance and education group Youth Sayers provided live music, covering ska, rocksteady, jazz, and afrobeat. Of the event, one Social Salter Club member said, “‘Within a few minutes of arriving I felt welcomed, encouraged, amused and ready to join in with the activities that were provided.” Another said, “‘It was lovely to finally see the beautiful and well crafted Workshop in a box. Thank you for inviting me, I had a great time – especially with Felting.”
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