The Wonderful World of Wonder Arts
I first came across Wonder Arts as a sleep-deprived mum of a very curious child, needing far more stimulation than I was able to offer her. It came as such a relief to find quality, affordable theatre at the local library, so close to home! When the opportunity to work for Wonder Arts came along, I couldn’t turn it down. They needed someone to step in and co-ordinate Communities of Wonder. Fast-forward to present day and this 3-year phase of the project is coming to an end and while I am sad to be closing a chapter, I am very proud of all we have achieved in my time here.
The project has been a great opportunity for the St Helens community - young people genuinely having a say & having influence. It was wonderful to see them choose their artforms, procure artists, engage creatively, and choose how they celebrate their wonderful creations. They made murals, collages, campaign banners, poetry collections, music and dance videos - it’s been eclectic! All of this has resulted in improved confidence, self-esteem, mental health, wellbeing, interpersonal and creative skills, greater aspirations and improved life choices. And it’s not just young people. In creating the Dad’s Little Helper booklet, we have engaged with 18 dads and male carers and their children. Overall, this has resulted in hundreds of interventions with 300 people over the 3-year project.
I have met so many community champions in my time here. People who genuinely care about the young people growing up around them, going the extra mile to find them activities that can help open them up and find their place in the world. We brought in artists who had lived experience and were open about their journeys and that made all the difference.
I have been on a personal journey in my time here too. Sensing my own child was struggling with more than sensory processing issues, I researched neurodivergence, and now find myself, like so many women I know, on a waiting list for ADHD. I am in no hurry for a diagnosis but am experiencing a gradual dawning, starting to see myself differently and give myself permission to feel strong emotions, have a busy mind, acknowledge a negative lens which can at times be a debilitating place to view the world from. Thankfully, we are in an age of acceptance where gradually more people are giving space for and embracing diverse minds. Wonder Arts have given me the space to explore this and for that I am very grateful.
In a world full of dis-ease, I am so grateful projects like this exist. They are a beacon of hope and therefore vital in helping communities flourish. Huge thanks to the National Lottery for putting their faith in us and funding the project. Thanks also to the artists, partners, young people and families who have been involved over the 3 years. Communities of Wonder has inspired us all to get out of our comfort zones and has shown our community your thoughts and feelings matter.
If you are inspired, you can be part of the hope too! Volunteer, join Young Wonders, join the Steering Group or board of Trustees – all these routes help other young people and families get opportunities like this one. Endings are never easy so instead of saying goodbye to this chapter I say au revoir. I am lucky enough to be continuing a career in the arts and have been welcomed back to support future Wonder Arts events. Make sure you find time for creativity and your community too.
Au revoir 😊
Emma
