Akin

Akin - adj - related, to be allied by nature, to share an affinity with.

-An immersive creative arts experience-

In this 2 day immersion we will explore our innately creative natures collectively through movement, sound, visual art and story, taking a dive into our imaginations and observing what emerges.

Exploring playful embodied practices that repair our relational fields, we will refine creative skills such as improvisation, play, imagination and responsiveness. We will move through known and unknown spheres, building trust in our own bodies and observing our beings in relation to others and our surroundings - noticing where our kindred natures overlap and differ, and celebrating our discoveries.

What is creative arts?

Creative arts (also known as expressive/therapeutic arts) group sessions are designed to: provoke creative play, using the arts as a tool of expression; awaken pathways to cultivate more self awareness and belief in our creative abilities; impact our overall wellbeing, as well as have a laugh and bond as a group.

Who are the sessions for?

The immersion is accessible to everyone over 15. We especially welcome beginners/ newbies to this practice or those in denial of their creative abilities ;) as the focus lies heavily on the experience, not on the artistic outcome.

What if I can't make it both days?

We have designed the sequence of activities so they build on one another. To get the full experience we highly recommend coming to the full immersion if possible. However, we understand that sometimes life gets in the way. So there are day tickets available, and feel free to drop us a message if you have any queries about this.

Who are the workshop leaders?

Lois is a dynamic and passionate creative arts practitioner who has made significant strides since graduating with a first-class honors degree in Creative Expressive Arts for Health and Wellbeing from the University of Derby, where she was mentored by Gemma. Her work as a theatre practitioner with adults with learning disabilities and/or autism requires commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in her sessions. Lois’s approach is rooted in the belief that creative arts can empower individuals, build confidence, and foster a sense of agency and equity. Her sessions are designed to be a space for joyful expression and of creative activism, challenging ableist attitudes by celebrating the lived experiences of her participants. Lois’s work emphasizes the importance of autonomy and community, using the arts as a means to provoke self-exploration and self-expression. As a percussionist, Lois’s passion for music has taken her on ethnomusicological journeys to Brazil and Cuba, where she spent several months immersed in the local cultures. These experiences highlighted for her the profound role that collective art and music-making play in reinforcing a sense of belonging and celebrating local cultures and communities. Her love for improvisation led her to study música do círculo in Brazil, a unique method of collective music improvisation using the body and voice. This approach is grounded in cooperative pedagogy and non-violent communication, principles which Lois incorporates into her work. Through this, she continues to explore and share the transformative power of collective improvisation, blending her skills in music and creative arts to foster inclusive and empowering environments for all participants.

Gemma is an interdisciplinary performance artist, researcher, and educator whose work sits at the intersection of therapeutic arts and women’s studies. With a focus on the transformative power of dance, Gemma’s artistic practice and academic research delve into the therapeutic potential of movement, exploring how it can serve as a pathway to recovery and connectedness. Her research is particularly aligned with key themes in women’s studies, including motherhood, birth trauma, body image, ageing, and the often-overlooked phenomenon of invisibility in women's lives. Through her work, Gemma interrogates these subjects, drawing connections between personal experience and broader social narratives. Central to her inquiry is the exploration of human-nature relationships and how these connections can support both individual and collective healing, offering a means to orient oneself in the world. As a Lecturer of Therapeutic Arts at the University of Derby, Gemma contributes to the academic discourse on the role of arts for health and well-being, enriching the field with her interdisciplinary approach. Her work not only fosters a deeper understanding of the body and its capacities for healing but also champions the role of the arts in fostering a more connected and compassionate society.

If you feel the call to come, but need a bit more information, contact us via innervativecreatives@gmail.com

Book via the following link

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/akin-tickets-980456039407?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail