City workshop for North Ayrshire learning disability team

The festival session allowed a group of North Ayrshire adults with learning disabilities to share their experiences of working with ShowWorks Theatre to produce an innovative performance piece around the theme of ‘being and becoming’.

The initiative was funded through Creative Scotland’s Participatory Arts and Mental Health Fund and The Baring Foundation, in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation. 

The ‘What Comes Next’ project began in January of this year, with a series of weekly sessions exploring the theme of life changes.

Over the course of six months, the group was actively involved in the entire creative process – from the initial idea, to the music and characters.

Those taking part were also supported by visual artist Lynn McNally to produce scenery, props and other responses to the theme.

(Image: Neil Hanna) The final performance piece included contributions from over 50 participants, with the project culminating in a vibrant performance at the Harbour Arts Centre in May, allowing those involved to share their aspirations in an imaginative and joyful way with their friends and family.

From this performance, and additional footage captured before and after, an inspiring short film was produced by local film-maker Jim Gibb, which truly captures the energy and spirit of those taking part. 

The festival workshop in Edinburgh saw customers and staff of Trindlemoss presenting the film to an audience, as well as taking part in a panel discussion afterwards, gaining extremely positive feedback from festival organisers ‘My Kind of Book’.

The Accessible Book & Story Festival - the first of its kind in the UK - took place in September, featuring storytelling, conversation and workshops. The event showcased some of the wonderful ways that books and stories are being made accessible for those additional needs.