Born to dream

Community Co-Creation Project for POW Festival 2024

We partnered with 5 local community groups to deliver hands-on beginner sublimation printing workshops, led by local neurodivergent artist Becky Vincer. Over 100 participants from Age UK Thanet, Beyond The Page, Treetops Care Home, ARK, Pie Factory Music, were encouraged to talk about their dreams and the importance of imagination, rest and play, especially for women and marginalised people.

They were taught various artistic techniques and created their own meditation cushions, inspired by their dreams. Participants were then invited to a Celebration Event on International Women's Day at Turner Contemporary, Margate. At this event, participants gathered for a collective mediation and sound bath experience led by Shala Yoga, using their own meditation cushions. This was an opportunity to experience collective rest in an arts space.

Three additional workshops were held for the general public at Crampton Tower, Arts in Ramsgate and Margate Caves, with participants learning the beginner sublimation techniques and creating their own printed sleep masks.

Here are some quotes from the participants:

I came here feeling anxious and now that’s all melted away (Participant, ARK)

I can’t believe I made this! It looks so professional! (Participant, Crampton Tower)

I wasn’t going to come today as I don’t feel great, but I’m so glad I did, this is the best thing I’ve ever made! (Participant, Arts in Ramsgate)

I love this workshop, its instant results that are so beautiful and sometimes surprising but I like that. (Participant, Arts in Ramsgate)

I didn’t think I’d be any good at this, but I’ve really surprised myself. It just goes to show it doesn’t matter how old you are, just keep trying new things. (98 year old participant, Treetops Care Home)

I feel like this workshop has restored a piece of me, for a few hours I wasn’t just being a mum, or doing the washing or thinking about all the things I need to do. I got a bit of me back today and I have really enjoyed it. (Participant, Margate Caves)

I have made this cushion for my family, there is a star for each one of my children and my husband. When they are happy and well, I can rest. (Participant, Beyond the Page)

I just wanted to thank you for providing our 3 groups with such creative workshops that encouraged our women to relax, focus and freely express themselves. Your organisation and flexibility meant that all of the women who attended got to practise their new skills before committing them to their cushion cover, which they all completed. We all loved the workshops and can’t wait for March 8th when we will be reunited with you AND our cushions! (CEO, Beyond the Page)