PROJECT: COLCHESTER’S COMMUNITY GROUPS
Continuing the work I began as part of my Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) award from Arts Council England, I have been investigating the stories of my local community in Colchester, Essex.
Working with lots of arts organisations over the years I am lucky to see some of the incredible work that goes on year round to support the community but not everyone has that opportunity. They might just see the final result, the single day event or the exhibition on the wall. Often it isn’t possible to show that as well as enriching lives with art and culture, these organisations provide safe spaces to meet, support each other and keep traditional skills alive. I hope to fill in some of those gaps through this longterm documentary photography project, particularly when funding cuts are so prevalent and the arts are often hit first.
I’m currently working with:
Cuckoo Farm Studios, where affordable studio space allows artists to thrive, keep traditional skills alive and provide the wider community with rich cultural experiences.
Textile Collective, who not only provide affordable second-hand haberdashery and fabric but also a safe space for people to learn skills and meet others. Read an excerpt of my feature on Textile Collective here.
Firstsite and the groups that meet in their studio spaces: YAK, the Young Artist’s Kommunity and the Bangladeshi Women’s Association Essex, both of which are incredible communities sharing their culture and creativity whilst also supporting their physical and mental health.
