Creativity is an inherent human quality of the highest order. When we create, we become more than the sum of our parts Yanni

…So let us use this for ourselves. The role of creativity in benefiting our health and wellbeing can be profound. It can help us find joy, combat isolation, help to manage and balance mental health, promoting general wellbeing for individuals and the wider community.

We are initiating a conversation, with the hope that together we can form a supportive, district-wide network to exchange ideas, keep connected and share our learning. We’d like to invite you to join us at the beginning of this journey to explore the complex relationship between creativity, health and wellbeing and understand more fully how we can better support ourselves and others through arts and culture.

We are kicking off the conversation with two in person gatherings in Bradford. The gatherings will include time to pause, reflect, imagine and play to experience how creativity can help us maintain balance and stay well.

During the Creative Care gatherings we will:

• welcome artists, therapeutic practitioners, and academics to join together and initiate a supportive and nurturinig network
• explore playful, creative practices to boost wellbeing
• experiment with multiple art forms, engaging the creative parts of our brain.
• sample some therapeutic exercises to reduce stress and prevent burnout
• ask questions about the role of creativity and culture in staying well
• take time to pause from the daily ‘doing’, and spend quality time simply ‘being’
• have space to reflect on our own relationship with caring for ourselves and others.
• form an 'inventory' of our collective skills, resources and passions
• address the systemic inequalities operating in mental health and arts and culture sectors
• identify ‘healthy systems’ and ways we can promote inclusive and non-hierarchical structures.
• Share food together, and have time to connect as a community

The sessions will be facilitated by creatives Uzma Kazi and Jen Nevin, in partnership with University of Bradford and Bradford Producing Hub.

Who is it for?

If you’re an artist, creative practitioner, academic, researcher or someone with an interest in creativity, health and wellbeing, then we’d love to hear from you. If you can’t make the sessions but you’d like to be a part of the conversation please reach out and we will keep you updated about any future events.

What else do I need to know?

• Due to new government guidelines these sessions will now be online via zoom
• Both gatherings will be connected and ideally you will be able to attend both sessions.
• Art equipment, instruments and materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring any specific art materials or anything with you that you might like to use that helps your creativity to flow!
• No previous artistic experience is needed.
• Please wear clothes you feel comfortable and free to move in.
• Lights snacks and refreshments will be provided for attendees, please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements.

For more information please contact:

Uzma Kazi: creativeresearchuk@gmail.com or

Jen Nevin: jen@displaceyourselftheatre.co.uk

The gatherings will be at Bradford 2025, City Park

We look forward to welcoming you.