This week is the second intensive week for our Skills Exchange Cohort – a group of ten local people (aged 16 to 27 years) who are working together with local and national creatives as part of The Creative Village ‘s Skills Exchange Programme – sharing insights and learning new skills related to the creative industries.
Have a read of Zikora’s blog post as she reflects on the experience so far…
‘Being a part of Creative Crawley’s Skills Exchange Programme has been one of the coolest experiences ever! When I first joined, I didn’t really know what to expect, but it turned out to be a fantastic adventure filled with learning and meeting awesome people.
One of the best things about Creative Crawley is how it brings together different creative practices. I got to learn about things like art, music, film, and sound! Each month, we have had workshops and talks from different artists and creators. They have shared their stories and showed us how they turned their passions into careers. It was inspiring to see how creativity can come in so many forms!
Another session that stood out to me as part of our first Skills Intensive Week in October was learning about sound with Helen Anahita Wilson. We all got a piece of equipment and went around to attach it to different leaves, hearing the sound coming from the leaves and flowers.
Being part of this community has really changed how I see creative opportunities in Crawley. Before, I thought there weren’t many chances for young people like me to get involved, but now I see that there are so many paths we can take! There are local events, workshops, and even competitions that encourage us to showcase our talents. I feel more motivated to explore my own creativity, whether it’s through sewing, drawing, or trying out new skills.
Attending the Woodzy & Friends showcase was really interesting, especially hearing about everyone’s different talents and them showing us examples of their work and explaining how they got into what they do and what they experienced on their journey. The atmosphere was really comfortable, and overall, it was just a lovely experience.
Creative Crawley has opened my eyes to the idea that we can all be creators, no matter our age. It’s not just about being an artist, it’s about thinking outside the box and finding ways to express ourselves. I’m excited to see what the future holds and how I can contribute to the creative scene in Crawley.
In conclusion, being a part of The Creative Crawley Skills Exchange has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much and met some incredible people. I feel inspired and excited to keep exploring all the fun opportunities in my town. I can’t wait to see where my creative journey takes me next!’
Lead image shows a piece from Zikora’s own creative practice.
The Skills Exchange Programme is part of The Creative Village, a partnership between Creative Crawley, Theatre Centre and AudioActive to develop and support creative industries and infrastructure in Crawley, West Sussex and Surrey. Funded by Arts Council England, Crawley Borough Council, Sussex Community Foundation and London Gatwick.
