The first of the workshops were run within the councils building. The aim was simply to make leaves and flower to decorate a tree mural that is placed on one of the walls within the new office. Using a verity of papers and set colours of acrylic paint the participants were asked to make as many features as they want. The murals concept revolved around inclusivity and creating a more comfortable atmosphere for the clients of the council. The turn out for the workshop by the clients was low, but the staff was heavily involved. Due to drop in sessions that offer support to clients, running at the same time, people could come in when they were free. This meant as well that there were several members of staff from different roles, from cleaners to senior managers. During the workshops, it was obvious that sitting around one table, doing the same task, broke down communication and social barriers. There was discussion among all participants on how to start making, what shapes to cut, and which colours to use. Participants helping each other and supporting, but through discussion and seeing others approaches enabled them to find their own unique way of making. The early conversation soon lead to talk about personal lives, for example, a woman who was in charge of maintenance in the build started talking to a senior manager about her young son, how he would love to take part in the workshop , how he finds school, and what they will be getting up to this weekend. The senior manager, completely unaware of this woman having a child and knew little about her, soon started to share similar stories. This break within work status was interesting. Through sitting down and participating in a task away from work norms and collectively, individuals who work in the same building every day but never talked where now getting to know each other. A similar observation can be made to the clients who took part. Walking into a room where everyone is doing something creative that holds no language or cultural barriers, and having fun, with it makes for a much friendlier and approachable atmosphere in a room full of strangers. With one participant this was definitely apparent. She came into the room unsure but through watching and copying others become comfortable with the task. Once this was in place she quickly became a leader of a vast amount of the conversations. It then in relation to the same path as the other conversation turned to family. Her relatives here in the UK, how much she relied on them for vital things like income, emotional support, and companionship. Friends she had made in the women's group that the council-run on a weekly basis which allows the clients to take part in other creative activities but also trips. It was apparent that this was a key to her socialization and overall well being. Meeting new people who fled the same country of Pakistan, who spoke the same language so verbal communication was no problem. Giving her the opportunity build a community, feeling comfortable and safe, but at the same time introducing her to a new society and culture. The language barrier was something that all participants faced within the workshop. Given that there were a lot of different languages in the room, it did isolate some from a certain conversation and vs verse. However, a connection that everyone benefited from was the creative task. Support and appreciation were easy to show , be that through body language or tone of voice. It was in the final part when work was stuck onto the tree that the background intent of inclusivity was clear. Participants knowing that they had contributed to something that has a permanent place and was helpful gave purposes to the time and sense of community and unity.
The task itself was kept simple. This enabled for contributors to have creative freedom in there making process. However, restrictions were put in place with materials. The tree in the future will be changed to fit in line with seasonal change. Given that the workshop was run in the autumn, it was deiced that the colour pallet should be restricted to red, golds, browns and deep purples. By making this decision it would affect the overall look of the tree, giving the work and aesthetic continuity. It also helped the desition making in process easier as with everyone using the same colours, it encouraged more thought into the shape of the features they were making. So in originality came through the shape rather than colour. Reasons for the turn out being low is that the workshop was not advertised as it was a short project with a limited time frame. If the workshop had been advertised there may have been a larger attendance. However, the clients are unfortunately part of a group of vulnerable people. Some of whome find it hard and lack confidence in going out into a new society be that participating in social events or some really simple daily activities. This can be down to their past experiences.
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