In Northfield, Birmingham, creativity is building unexpected connections.

Jemma, Arts Coordinator at Redeemer Church, helps run a programme of arts and wellbeing activities that bring people together through pop-up projects and skill swaps. Among the regulars was Emma, a geography teacher taking time out from the classroom, who found joy in weekly arts sessions run by Redeemer Church in Northfield.

When the chance came to share her own skills, Emma teamed up with Jemma to design something new - an arts and wellbeing programme that fused geography with arts and creativity. And so, the Space and Place Project took shape, thanks to a Microgrant from the Community Development Practice Hub, an initiative funded by Birmingham City Council and led by BVSC which aims to develop creative ways for people to be actively involved in their local communities, to test and learn from new approaches to designing services which aim to make people’s lives healthier and happier. 

By bringing long-standing participants together with newcomers, the project became a truly intergenerational experience, with ages stretching from teens to retirees.  Over six weeks the group explored how locations shape emotions, memories, and identity. Sessions combined discussion, creative activities, and personal reflection, leading to a final artwork from each participant that expressed their connection to a meaningful place. The group also ventured off-site at times, using local spaces as sources of inspiration and as opportunities to share personal experiences.

The places participants chose were as varied as the participants themselves. Some drew on memories of travel, from favourite holiday destinations such as Barcelona or Wales, while others stayed closer to home, selecting Oddingley Hall or even fictional Hogwarts. For others, however, a sense of safety and belonging was found indoors, in spaces as personal as a room in their own house.

Food played a central role in each session, creating a relaxed atmosphere and encouraging conversation. When the project budget for refreshments ran out, participants began bringing food to share - something that only strengthened the sense of community. With a shared focus and the chance to reflect together, participants built meaningful connections, and new friendships blossomed.

By creating a warm, welcoming space, participants grew in confidence, and stepped outside their comfort zones. Sharing food fostered connection, while creative activities nurtured artistic growth. Through storytelling and making, participants deepened self-expression and discovered new ways to see, feel, and represent the world around them

Future projects could allow more time for flexible creative timelines (not all participants were able to complete the project by the deadline) and wider community inclusion, ensuring that all voices feel heard as socially conflicts sometimes arose between participants in personal lives.

Danni’s story

Danni, a mum of four, joined the project seeking time for herself and space to reconnect with her creativity. She chose a family holiday spot in Wales as her focus - a place filled with joyful memories from her teenage years and recent visits as a mother. This location symbolised continuity, joy, and grounding across different stages of life. Through painting, photography, and reflection, Danni revisited those memories and created a heartfelt final piece. She shared that the project gave her rare time for self-expression and reminded her of the importance of creative hobbies, even in the busyness of parenting.

Here's what participants had to say!

If you are interested in learning more about the Community Development Practice Hub or about any upcoming free training, then please contact [email protected].