I led a 5 week community project, delivering collage and photography workshops, to help children learn about Climate Change, focusing on air pollution in their local spaces.

Creative Changemakers focuses on community agency, giving the next generation the tools to inspire their peers, spark vital conversations, and drive positive local change.

Workshop series led by: Shona Coyne 

Group: Midaye Fulham Somali Mothers

Age group: Children aged 5-12

Location: Sands End Art & Community Centre

Creative Lead: Emma Wee

Interns: Nusaybah & Asma

Programme delivered by: Hammersmith and Fulham Arts Festival

Through photography, collage and image-making the group explored their connection to nature and the impact of air pollution in their local area. During every workshop we explored the park with photography/ material walks documenting the space and learning about different trees like London Plane and Silver Birch, for their role in improving air quality.

Working directly with nature the group created sunprints, by placing leaves onto light-sensitive paper, and using the sunshine to develop the images, as well as pattern making, through block printing, to reveal a variety of leaf shapes and textures. The group used digital and film cameras to explore the park, documenting the plants and trees around them as well as their connection to the space.

The group’s final works reimagine public spaces including a bus stop, bench, block of flats and a street bin inviting us to consider how they could be designed in the future to improve air quality, increase access to nature and help communities adapt to climate change.