The Art of Compassion and Imagination

Bringing together representatives from research, the creative community, health, voluntary sector and education we aim to examine how creativity can open up compassion and common understanding for all of us. We will delve into how this connection between imagination and compassion can then guide and aid us in exploring social issues and difficult topics as well as reaching out into our communities. Featuring insightful talks, activities, group discussions and creative workshops.

Free to attend and open to everyone. This conference is likely to be of special interest to those working in the creative, health, voluntary, research, policy and education sectors with links to the arts.

THE ART OF COMPASSION & IMAGINATION

• Wednesday 8th June 2022
• 9:30am - 2:30pm (plus Community Makers Meeting 3-5pm)
• Post Hall Gallery, Sheffield Hallam University, S1 2AY - https://goo.gl/maps/oUjw65U4xiU15SxN9
• Free to attend and open to everyone

CONFERENCE TIMETABLE

Please see below for the conference timetable. Find out more about the speakers here - https://www.igniteimaginations.org.uk/speakers22

Wednesday 8th June

9.30 - Tea and coffee10- Opening from Luisa Golob CEO, Ignite Imaginations

10.10 - 10.30 - Mojisola Elufowoju, CEO and Artistic Director - Utopia Theatre.

Presenting: “The moral responsibility of the artist especially when you receive public funding”

We are living in a period of such great external and internal insecurity and anxiety. Is there a role that the artist can play or should be playing? What is the moral responsibility of the artist for what he or she presents? What is the artist's responsibility to the public? Why is a moral stance paramount in the arts? Is the personal life of the artist separate from their art?

10.35 – 10.55 - Emma Spencer, Informal Learning Programmer - Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Presenting: "Connecting people and building communities with care, compassion and

creativity"

How do we work kindly and thoughtfully with people. Emma will discus how YSP Learning uses creativity, nature connectedness, and a thoughtful programme to support social Change. Inspiring and celebrating people and communities. Creating spaces and conversations where everyone feels welcome, seen and valued..

11.00 - 11.10 - Break11.15 - 11.35 - Mike Layward, Artistic Director - DASH

Presenting: “Solidarity not pity”

A very brief look at the history of the Disability Rights and Disability arts movements, the work of some Disabled artists and what we need is solidarity between ourselves and other oppressed groups.

11.40 - 12.00 - Lucy Turner, Producer (Early Years & Families) and Imogen Holmes Roe, Curator (Historic Fine Art). - Whitworth Gallery

Presenting: “Still Parents: Life After Baby Loss”

A multi award winning, ground breaking project centred around compassion and care for those who have experienced baby loss. Currently on display at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, Still Parents is the first exhibition of its kind, creating a platform to share personal stories, open up conversations and break the wall of silence that continues to surround baby loss.

12.05- 12.25- SuAndi, Cultural Director Freelance - National Black Arts Alliance

Presenting: "Don't assume your outcome(s)"The power of art is how it can make anyone stand still, look about, reassess themselves in a more positive light. Art can and does change lives. By giving voice to those often unheard.

12.30 - 1.15 Lunch - A light lunch of sandwiches and crisps will be provided

1.20 - 2.20- Breakout Sessions

1) Symbols and Rituals of death and dying by Ali Bird Ignite Imaginations Artist - Creative workshop on the Symbolism of flowers in burial rites and their corresponding colours across cultures. Plus hear from Nick Deayton from Compassionate Sheffield.

2) "How to Make it Happen": led by Adrian Sinclair, UNION and Heads Together - So there’s something you are (com)passionate about and you can almost imagine it happening, but what’s the next step to take and what are the skills and connections you might need to actually make it happen. A session looking at moving beyond great ideas.

3) The Gumboot Dance, led by Sinini Ngwenya

Gumboot dance is a dance danced to no music. You are dancing, at the same time making music. Using rhythms and chants to communicate as it was dance danced by miners and sometimes they will use certain rhythms to warn eachother if the bosses were near.

4) Join Luisa Golob, CEO, Ignite Imaginations and the speakers from the day; a time to ask questions and reflect on the days' content.

2.20 - 2.30 Close of conference

Then stay with us for more networking and discussion about volunteering in the creative sector. Attendees are welcome to attend both or just one of these events on the day.

3-5pm - Community Makers: Are you a creative or community/voluntary sector organisation that delivers creative activity in the community? From dance to creative writing, to sewing groups to choirs- if your organisation is a delivery organisation or supports those that do we want to connect with you.

We want to bring representatives from organisations to:

• Network and explore future ways to connect
• To discuss how we can map the spread of delivery within the city (recognising the gaps and needs in communities)
• Introduce the Sheffield Community Makers scheme; an opportunity for the city to develop, connect and offer coordinated, attractive and manageable creative volunteer opportunities funded by Arts Council England and supported by VAS.

The Art of Compassion and Imagination conference is kindly supported by Sheffield City Council, Compassionate Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.

For more details about us and our projects, click here to visit our website. Stay in touch: www.igniteimaginations.org.uk

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