A Sparking Success!
Over five-weeks in Autumn 2024, thirteen creative practitioners who identify as part
of the global majority immersed themselves in SPARK, a transformative journey,
bridging the gap between creative practice and mental health support.
The SPARK programme provided the opportunity for creative workshop leaders and facilitators
working in any art form, for example, dance, music, theatre, visual art, to learn more about
how creativity can be used as a tool to support people’s mental health and well-being.
The programme created the opportunity for the cohort of 13 to learn, develop and gain
knowledge across a range of topics in trainings led by leading organisations in the arts and
culture sector.
Afrocats delivered training which explored professional teamwork, the meaning of
creative mental health and the importance of self-care.
Cartwheel Arts shared their expertise on planning and delivering workshops as well as
creating safe and inclusive spaces.
The Wellness Project CIC delivered a talk about mental health awareness.
Odd Arts led discussions around racism and microaggressions and how to navigate and
talk about them as global majority facilitators.
Arc delivered a session on professional boundaries and managing self-employment as a
freelancer.
TIPP taught the group about safe-guarding.
Industry professionals Anisa Saleh and Julie McCarthy also contribute to the training
programme, leading on discussions around cultural competency and monitoring and
evaluation.
From discussions and talks to practical sessions and role play, the SPARK programme provided
an invaluable professional development opportunity for those who took part.
SPARK training participant, Lorraine, said: “I don’t take continued professional development
lightly…as a practising counsellor and creative practitioner, I wanted to marry the two sides of
my world, mental health and the arts. The SPARK training programme has given me the tools
to do this. The continuity in support for global majority communities begins the process of true
meaningful change…it seems so simple; we need more of this.”
SPARK training participant, Milana, said, “SPARK training sits within the wider MYRIAD
project aiming to improve creative mental health training and opportunities for global majority
communities and practitioners. The knowledge we have taken away from this can now be
proactively put into practice in communities that need the support.”
Following on, participants of the SPARK programme, will have the opportunity to apply their
learning and knowledge by working with an organisation on a ‘Test and Learn’ project funded
through the SPARK Project Fund. Keep an eye on our blog to keep up to date with the
projects participants get involved with.
The SPARK Project Fund creates the opportunity for Greater Manchester organisations to
deliver a test and learn project, which explore how culture and creativity can reduce mental
health inequalities. Read more about the Spark Project Fund here.