What does home mean to you? This artist find out in new Walton residency

Walton residents can take part in a series of workshops at Spellow Community Hub and Library, exploring the concept of home and what it means to them.

Artist Dora Colquhoun, a neurodivergent writer, facilitator, performer, and theatre maker, has been commissioned by Culture Liverpool to lead these workshops. The first session will take place this Saturday, April 12, from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM.

This interactive family workshop will draw inspiration from beloved characters who embarked on adventures, including Dorothy, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Three Little Pigs.

The Welcome Home project will culminate in a celebration event on June 21, featuring a living room installation in the library, showcasing meaningful objects collected from residents throughout the series.

This artist residency is part of Culture Liverpool’s Creative Neighbourhoods program, which focuses on collaborative projects and creative interventions that engage communities across Liverpool. The initiative aims to foster local pride, inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment through co-creative practices, addressing the unique needs of each neighborhood.

Funding for this project comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), which supports efforts to instill a sense of pride among Liverpool residents and enhance life opportunities for both artists and audiences. This initiative is backed by recovery funding from Central Government and Arts Council England.

Family sessions will be held from 10 AM to 1 PM on the following dates:

• Saturday, May 3
• Saturday, May 17
• Saturday, May 24

These sessions will be co-facilitated by Isaac Nixon, known as Og the Giant, a Liverpool-based storyteller experienced in engaging families through imaginative play and storytelling.

Additionally, there will be sessions for adults from 10 AM to 1 PM on these dates:

• Wednesday, April 23
• Wednesday, May 7
• Wednesday, May 14
• Wednesday, May 21
• Wednesday, June 4
• Saturday, June 7
• Wednesday, June 11
• Saturday, June 14
• Wednesday, June 18

This project is part of ongoing efforts to engage the community around County Road, particularly following the devastating fire that affected Spellow Community Hub and Library last summer. Other initiatives include “What’s Your Walton Story,” a 12-week creative writing course by Writing on the Wall, and “Our Home, Our Place, Our Space,” an artist residency in partnership with Open Eye Gallery.

Dora Colquhoun, whose past successes including writing and performing in ADHD The Musical, said:

“This will be a collaborative project, allowing us to explore what different cultures need to feel safe and comfortable. While aesthetics, food and traditions may vary across cultures, the universal desire to feel welcome and secure in our community unites us all.

“My approach is to gently explore cultural differences through creative workshops, providing an opportunity for people living in and around County Road to connect and understand one another. The goal is to create a welcoming space in the library where discussions about identity and positive hopes for the future can take place.”

Find out more abut Dora’s work HERE.

Get more culture for Liverpool HERE.

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